Police investigate “offensive” banner at Selhurst Park

The banner was unveiled prior to kick-off

Croydon Police are looking into reports of an offensive banner unveiled by Crystal Palace fans on Saturday afternoon. Ahead of Palace's clash against Newcastle United at Selhurst Park, the 'Holmesdale Fanatics' - a group of Palace supporters - unveiled a banner protesting against the Saudi ownership of the Magpies. The banner took aim at the Premier League's 'Owners and Directors' test, which - as quoted by the Premier League - "outlines requirements that would prohibit an individual from becoming an owner or director of a club." It continues: "These include criminal convictions for a wide range of offences, a ban by a sporting or professional body, or breaches of certain key football regulations, such as match-fixing." However, Croydon MPS have confirmed that they received a report of an "offensive banner" displayed by Palace fans. https://twitter.com/mpscroydon/status/1451964616314138629?s=21 "On Saturday 23 October police received a report of an offensive banner displayed by Crystal Palace fans," read a post from the force on Twitter. "Officers are assessing the information and carrying out enquiries. Any allegations of racist abuse will be taken very seriously." Many people have expressed their opposition to the Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) since their takeover of the Magpies - with a number of human rights issues linked to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The English top flight approved the deal after being given assurances that the PIF was separate to the Saudi state - despite the fact it is chaired by Bin Salman. The decision to allow the takeover to be concluded, in light of the Middle East State's human rights record, was heavily criticised by Amnesty International and others, with claims suggesting that it is an attempt to sportswash the country's reputation - damaged by the allegations about Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Related links:

• Newcastle change stance to allow fans to wear culturally-inspired clothing
• Crystal Palace fans unveil banner protesting Saudi ownership of Newcastle
• Sergio Reguilon opens up about being “shaken and nervous” when Newcastle fan collapsed