The Carabao Cup final featured an emotional atmosphere at Wembley, showcasing the euphoric experience of Newcastle United supporters upon winning a major trophy after 70 years. However, this victory also coincides with intricate political dynamics, as the Saudi regime uses such moments to divert attention from its controversial actions. While fans celebrate, there are underlying implications regarding exploitation within sports that should not be overlooked. This conflicting reality reflects broader themes of power, complicity, and public perception in modern football.
This is also power, and power is more than ever open to being used. Newcastle United winning a first major domestic trophy in 70 years is a euphoric feelgood story for the fans.
That same trophy is also a first significant victory for the Saudi Arabian regime, harnessing all this untamed human feeling to wash the blood and cruelty from its hands.
It is important to recognise none of this is the fault of Newcastle's supporters. The entire process is an act of macro-violence towards sport, clubs, leagues and fans.
When Tracey Crouch MP told a parliamentary committee that Newcastle's owners were a fund and nothing more, she was making a misleading statement.
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