NEWCASTLE AND UNION SUPPORTERS UNITED AGAINST SPORTSWASHING: "STATES THAT VIOLATE HUMAN RIGHTS SHOULD HAVE NO CONNECTION WITH FOOTBALL"

Translation of article from RTBF, written by Pierre Lambert

This Wednesday, some Union supporters will support Newcastle supporters and the Newcastle United Fans Against Sportswashing (NUFCFAS) collective, who are opposing their management. The latter accuse their owners of failing to respect human rights.

John is a lifelong Newcastle supporter. He is also one of the founders of the Newcastle United Fans Against Sportswashing group, created on the day the Saudi state bought Newcastle United. This Wednesday, he will not be in Brussels. But he will be supported by some Union supporters who have decided to join the movement to protest the use of football to silence human rights critics. Colin, for example, says: "It's important that fans of both clubs unite, because this could happen to any club. Newcastle United fans shouldn't have to fight alone, and together we can show that there is a movement of football fans who care about human rights and the future of football. We will not be silenced."

John added: "We believe that football fans can make a difference and that it is important that we unite across national borders. It is significant that supporters of other clubs are also speaking out against oppressive regimes that use football to cover up their numerous crimes and human rights violations. Nation-state ownership of our football clubs will ruin the sport as a competition if we allow this situation to continue. This is an important issue for football fans, regardless of their team and the result on the pitch. The USG fans' protest shows that football fans can make a difference in the fight for human rights."

In addition to defending human rights, the collective also warns against a two-tiered football system. The one about clubs owned by countries and others: "We must protect fair competition. It's not right for nation-states to own football clubs. For example, the United Arab Emirates owns Manchester City. Or Qatar with PSG, and now the Saudi state owns Newcastle United. They have unlimited financial resources. If we look at Manchester City, there are 115 charges against them relating to corruption and the fact that they buy their trophies."

John therefore wants change and makes it known: "Football really needs to get its house in order and not allow nation-states to own football clubs, especially those that violate human rights. We need to take back ownership of this sport. This is also the message we want to send to FIFA."

Colin concluded: "The message we want to send to FIFA and UEFA is that our voice, as supporters of football clubs, will not be silenced by the money spent by countries that violate human rights in football."

"It was great, as a Union supporter, to be able even in a small way to support the NUFCFAS campaign against sportswashing. We all love our football clubs and especially the camaraderie that comes with supporting together your football team. We shouldn’t let that be corrupted by those who are trying to use football to hide their human rights abuses. By campaigning together we can create a new camaraderie in football and for human rights."

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