Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Newcastle United Influencers Promote Saudi Arabia Trips Following Carabao Cup Victory
Following their recent Carabao Cup triumph, Newcastle United influencers are actively encouraging fans to extend celebrations in Saudi Arabia, home of the club’s owners, the Public Investment Fund (PIF). This promotion comes after Newcastle United secured their first domestic trophy in 70 years, sparking jubilant scenes in Newcastle. While the team refocuses on upcoming Premier League fixtures, prominent online personalities are urging supporters to travel to Saudi Arabia to continue the festivities.
Fan Celebrations and Influencer Marketing
- Saudi Arabia’s PIF Ownership: Newcastle United is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
- Saudi Celebration Push: Fans are being encouraged to celebrate Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win in Saudi Arabia.
- Influencer Promotion: Social media influencers are at the forefront of promoting Saudi Arabia as a post-victory celebration destination for Newcastle fans.
Approximately 300,000 jubilant fans filled the streets of Newcastle to celebrate with the team after their Carabao Cup victory against Liverpool at Wembley. This momentous win concluded a seven-decade-long wait for a major domestic trophy. However, attention has now shifted as several Newcastle United influencers are advocating for fans to travel to Saudi Arabia, the nation of origin for the club’s ownership, PIF, to prolong the celebratory atmosphere.
Controversial Promotion Sparks Debate
PIF’s acquisition of Newcastle United in October 2021 was met with controversy and raised concerns regarding Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Despite these ethical considerations, some influencers are enthusiastically promoting travel to the Middle Eastern country, suggesting the celebrations there could surpass even the Newcastle homecoming.
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Thogden’s Saudi Arabia Pitch
YouTuber Thogden, in a video featuring his father, directly promoted Saudi Arabia. Questioning “Where’s the after-party?”, Thogden then suggested, “No, Saudi Arabia! Imagine Boulevard World in Riyadh, all black and white,” highlighting the ease of travel.
YouTuber Thogden advocated for Saudi trips for Newcastle fans in a video with his father.
Thogden asserted that visa and flight arrangements were straightforward and promoted a travel package offered by visitsaudi.com.
Adam Pearson Joins the Promotion
Influencer Adam Pearson echoed this sentiment, releasing a video urging fans to visit Saudi Arabia. “For those wanting to continue the after-party – get yourselves over to Saudi Arabia!” Pearson exclaimed. He encouraged fans to “enjoy the culture, learn more about the country, and visit Boulevard World in Riyadh,” referencing his 2022 experience and emphasizing it as an opportunity to understand “the background of Newcastle United.”
Influencer Adam Pearson also encouraged Newcastle fans to travel to the Middle East to celebrate the Carabao Cup win.
Pearson detailed the ease of travel, citing direct flight options from the UK, online visa availability or visas upon arrival. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to welcome Newcastle United supporters with a “40 per cent off offer” to facilitate travel and continued celebrations in Saudi Arabia.
Backlash and Justification
Following criticism for his promotional video, Pearson acknowledged that these promotions were financially beneficial, funding his “football holidays.”
Pearson later admitted that promoting Saudi trips financially supported his football-related travel.
In a social media post, Pearson stated that “Newcastle United are in Europe next season and are likely in Asia this summer for pre-season, those trips have now been paid off for me.” He added, “I don’t like it anymore than you but that was why I did it,” explaining his motivations.
Another Newcastle TikTok personality filmed himself outside St James’ Park promoting Saudi trips.
The influencer promotions have been condemned by ‘NUFC Fans Against Sportswashing’.
Newcastle United celebrated their Carabao Cup victory with fans; influencers are now calling for celebrations to continue in Saudi Arabia.
Further Influencer Involvement
Matty Renton of The Magpie Channel also created a video outside St James’ Park, informing fans about the 40 per cent discount on Saudi Arabia travel deals.
Sportswashing Accusations
Since PIF’s takeover three years prior, Newcastle United’s owners have faced accusations of sportswashing, a practice where nations use sports to enhance their global image and divert attention from human rights concerns.
Fan Group Condemnation
NUFC Fans Against Sportswashing have released a statement online critically addressing the influencer promotions. Their statement read: “On #NUFC YouTubers & Tiktokers plugging trips to Saudi Arabia to #NUFCFans – a sad but serious issue which shows how far the human rights abusing Saudi dictatorship which owns will go to get young people onboard with their sportswashing project.”