Newcastle fans celebrate club's Saudi takeover

The purchase brought to an end the deeply unpopular reign of owner Mike Ashley, who had long ceased to be a fan favorite over what most saw as a lack of investment at the club.

In a letter addressed to the new owners, the chair of the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust, Greg Tomlinson, said that for the first time in many years fans believed that their desire for an ambitious Newcastle could now become a reality.

However, human right groups condemned Saudi Arabia's efforts to "sportswash" its human rights record.