Former Newcastle United winger John Barnes has leaped to the defence of Eddie Howe following recent criticism regarding the club’s Saudi-backed regime. The Toon boss was condemned for refusing to be drawn into questions from journalists regarding the new ownership model at St James’ Park.
Howe was grilled after the Magpies lost 1-0 to Chelsea a fortnight ago - the first game at Stamford Bridge since Blues owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK Government. Controversy regarding the Russian oligarch's alleged association with Vladimir Putin provoked the media to turn their attention towards Newcastle, with Howe forced to deflect questions just moments after a last-minute defeat.
Three days later, ahead of the Magpies’ trip to Everton, the 44-year-old was again met with tough questions regarding Saudi Arabia. Howe responded: “I am hugely proud to represent this football club, the supporters, the city and I'm trying to create a team the city can be proud of. All my energy is going into that and will continue to."
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Barnes believes criticism of Howe is unfair and questions regarding the Middle East are being aimed at the wrong person. Speaking to BonusCodesBets, he said: “We are governed by the highest authority of the land, which is the government. Where has Boris Johnson flown on a plane to get some oil now that Ukraine/Russia has happened? Saudi Arabia.
“How can we therefore say anything to Newcastle United, or Eddie Howe, about Saudi Arabia from a moral point of view. It’s a double standard and hypocrisy. If the government said that we can no longer do business in Saudi Arabia then the question of whether Eddie Howe should speak up can be asked.
“As long as the government and people in business are in a specific country doing business, then every other industry should be allowed to do the same. Football is not the moral guardian of a country, the government are. They dictate who we should and shouldn’t do business with.”
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