Crystal Palace: Cops backtrack on Holmesdale banner
Police have withdrawn the threat to take action over banner protesting the takeover of rivals Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia.
Croydon police had tweeted that they would investigate – but on Tuesday issued an update: “On Saturday, a member of the public contacted us to raise concerns about a banner displayed at the Crystal Palace vs Newcastle match at Selhurst Park.
“Following an assessment, officers have concluded that no offences have been committed. No further action will be taken.”
The threat was sparked after the banner was unveiled by Crystal Palace fans before Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
It is now understood that Palace are also likely to avoid sanctions from the FA for failing to control their supporters – but a final decision not to punish the club is not linked to the police investigation.
The Holmesdale End banner listed “terrorism, beheading, civil rights abuses, murder, censorship and persecution” on a clipboard under the headline Premier League Owners Test”.
A person wearing Arab-style clothing held a sword with blood on it.
The Public Investment Fund, which is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, is the majority financer of the takeover.
That day a post from the official Croydon MPS Twitter account read: “On Saturday 23 October police received a report of an offensive banner displayed by Crystal Palace fans. Officers are assessing the information and carrying out enquiries. Any allegations of racist abuse will be taken very seriously.”
A Holmesdale Fanatics statement said: ”The Saudi led takeover of Newcastle has rightly received widespread condemnation and anger.
“To give the thumbs-up to this deal at a time when the Premier League is promoting the women’s game and inclusive initiatives such as rainbow armbands, shows the total hypocrisy at play and demonstrates the league’s soulless agenda where profits trump all.”
Proud and Palace, the club’s official lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender supporters group, posted a video on their Twitter account which highlighted the imprisonment of Suhail al-Jameel in Saudi Arabia.
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