Arguably not the morning Newcastle United’s PR team was hoping for. The Magpies' supposed third strip for the 2022/23 season was leaked on Friday morning, and the shirt, designed by kit suppliers Castore, features the traditional green and white of Saudi Arabia.
The striking resemblance to the Saudi national-team jersey has attracted criticism, particularly off the back of claims that the new owners were using the club as a vehicle for sports-washing. However, other fans have welcomed the new slick appearance, heralding a new era to the club.
Next season will be Castore's second season as Newcastle United's kit supplier. The up-and-coming brand was only founded in 2015 but already supply kits for Glasgow Rangers and Wolves among others, and has quickly branched out into other sports, supplying the England Cricket team, Saracens rugby club and tennis star Andy Murray in what has been an incredible growth.