The House Of Saud FC

A version of this Article was first published in Dem Blades Fanzine Issue 4 in December 2019. I have decided to release it on my Blog because of the recent & ongoing controversy surrounding the takeover of Newcastle United. (22 March 2020)

Is it possible to be racist against money?

Saudi Arabia has one of the worst Human Rights records in the World.

Those Human Rights violations are imposed by the ruling elite. The House of Saud.

Their power comes from denying their citizens Human Rights.

With that power comes money. Lots of it.

Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the owner of Sheffield United. He is a member of the House of Saud, the ruling elite. Look it says it there, in his title, and in his name. He has served in that Saudi government. That one. Over there. With one of the worst Human Rights records in the World.

He's not a self-made businessman. Who started his paper manufacturing company from scratch. If you're in the House of Saud, mate, you get a few leg ups on the way. Doors open for you. His money, the money he's promising to spend at United, partly comes from being Saudi ruling elite, that money comes from power, that power comes from appalling Human Rights violations. There is a simple, short, chain link between Human Rights in Saudi Arabia and Chris Wilder's wages.

A chain between chopping people's hands off at that end and putting money in a pocket at this end.

Follow the money.

Play the money, not the man.

I'm saying, it's OK to be critical of the House of Saud, their Human Rights record, and the money that flows from it. That doesn't make me a Lesser Blade.

My writing is usually over long. Waffle. Piffle. Elaboration. If you don't fancy any more, that would be a good point to end.

But, if you're reading on…..

Here's the WHATABOUTERY

"You've never met him Phil. Maybe he's against all that. Maybe he's a Liberal. He can't be held personally responsible for Human Rights in Saudi Arabia. WHAT ABOUT his views."

True Dat. Not what I'm saying. I'm saying Follow The Money. Beheadings maintain power. Power brings influence & money to the ruling elite. The Big Prinz is ruling elite. He's made money off the back of being House of Saud ruling elite. His money will buy players in the January Window.

"Why are you painting him as evil Phil? I saw him on Sky Sports. He spoke very calmly & politely. And he's promised to make the queues shorter for pies at Half Time, WHAT ABOUT that?"

Of course, mate. It wouldn't surprise me to learn he's a lovely bloke. After all, most Princes, born in Palaces & all that, usually are. I'm playing the Money, not the Man. I'm calling his money and the system it came from Evil, not him personally, if that helps you out.

"But, McCabe is no Angel Phil. He's got business interests all over the World. Some of his partners will be very dodgy indeed. WHAT ABOUT chirping about McCabe's evil money"

Sorry. You're right. But, McCabe lost. Get over it.

"But, WHAT ABOUT other Football Clubs? Phil, you can't seriously believe we're the only club with financial links to moody countries. If The Blades don't take the Blood Money, someone else will. Princey has passed all the FA & Premier League Fit & Proper Tests. You're bang out of order Phil"

I hear you Sister. It's a Shit World. And we've got to live in it. Read this piece again. I'm hardly asking for The Prince to be tried for War Crimes at the International Court Of Justice in The Hague. Neither am I asking for United to be relegated to National League North. (Although there are some blinding ground ticks for the Carrier Bag Firm in there). I'm just saying, it's OK for Blades to be critical of the House of Saud, their Human Rights record, and the money that flows from it. 

"Phil, it's not just the Saudis though is it. WHAT ABOUT Bush & Blair & the Iraq War? What about Liz Truss, the Tory Minister, selling arms to the Saudis? You're quiet on that"

Too right. If they've done something illegal. Get 'em in front of a Judge. Impeach 'em. 

"Phil. Mate. You have got some front. Your poxy - look at Me Me Me - Blog comes from football & cricket grounds all over the world. And, you're swilling high abv Imperial IPAs at £11 a throw. WHAT ABOUT your money?"

(Snigger) Your Honour. I intend to plead the Fifth Amendment.

"WHAT ABOUT a game in Saudi? What will the Carrier Bag Firm do if United play a friendly in Saudi? You try and get to them all don't you? Tough call for you."

We were refused Saudi Entry Visas when England played in Riyadh in November 1988. We wouldn't expect any different next time around. Of course, denying Visas to tourists is one of the ways the House of Saud reduce outside scrutiny of their appalling Human Rights. (Tony Adams scored in a one all draw). Oh, and a lot of the CBF are female. So, that's kiboshed that.

"Phil. Let me spell it out to you. If you're so against United having the Saudi Money, WHAT ABOUT you just fuck off?"

Fair Question. Honestly? Because I'm part of the Chain too. And, I've got too much invested in being a Blade. Too much to lose. I'm in too deep. I'm complicit. I'm guilty. And I recognise that.

"WHAT ABOUT I don't give a Fuck Phil, as long as we stay in the Premier League?"

You Sir/Madam are honest.