Newcastle boss Eddie Howe ‘well aware’ of Saudi executions after 81 dead in largest mass execution in country’s history
EDDIE HOWE has revealed he is ‘well aware’ of the mass executions taking place in Saudi Arabia.
Newcastle’s trip to Chelsea came on the day it was revealed EIGHTY ONE people were ordered to be killed in a single day in the Middle Eastern kingdom – the largest mass execution in the country’s history.
It was only in October The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund purchased Newcastle for £300million leaving the club bankrolled by Mohammed bin Salman.
But Howe refused to comment on matters over 4,000 miles away with his focus instead on Newcastle’s relegation fight, not their owners.
He said: “I’m here to manage the football team and coach the football team.
“I’m well aware of what’s going on around the world.
“But my focus is on trying to produce the team to try and win football matches and get enough points to stay in the league.
“That’s all I’ll talk about.”
It was reported by Saudi media the kingdom executed 81 men including members of Al-Qaeda, the ‘Islamic State’ and supporters of Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
As of this moment it’s unclear what the method of killing was and why Saturday was chosen for the executions.
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The killings carried out surpassed the toll of a January 1980 mass execution for the 63 militants convicted of seizing the Grand Mosque in Mecca in 1979, the worst-ever militant attack to target the kingdom and Islam’s holiest site.
The state-run Saudi Press Agency announced the executions and confirmed that those included were convicted of various crimes such as the murdering of innocent men, women and children.
A statement said: “The kingdom will continue to take a strict and unwavering stance against terrorism and extremist ideologies that threaten the stability of the entire world.”
Howe was speaking after his Newcastle side were left frustrated after a 1-0 defeat away to Chelsea.
The Toon had looked to be well on their way to a well-earned and valuable point on the road as they held Chelsea for 89 minutes until Kai Havertz’s late winner.
Howe voiced his frustration after a string of decisions went against his side before Havertz – who was fortunate to still be on the pitch following an elbow on Dan Burn – broke Newcastle hearts.