Selling points

So, the deal is done - remarkably swiftly, at the end of an excruciatingly protracted saga. 

Let's get a few things straight.

First, there's no doubting that some of the criticism coming our way is motivated by envy - from opposition fans jealous of our bottomless pockets, and especially from supporters of the so-called "Big Six", whose cosy little party we're set to gatecrash. Most of them would no doubt have no qualms whatsoever if it was their clubs receiving sudden investment.

Second, and relatedly, there are a lot of stones being lobbed from glass houses. Few clubs, especially in the Premier League, have owners that their fans can or should really be proud of (hello Man City, Arsenal and West Ham in particular). Football and ethical conduct have long been like oil and water (if you want morals and principles, you'd be well advised to look elsewhere), and sportswashing is nothing new - whether in the beautiful game or beyond.

But there's a "but". A very big one.

By leaping into bed with the Public Investment Fund (allied to the Saudi state, whatever the legal documents might suggest), Newcastle have significantly upped the ante. The litany of human rights allegations levelled against Saudi Arabia is - or at least should be - horrifying. But, in their (admittedly understandable) haste to be free of Mike Ashley, fans have eagerly embraced the new regime with open arms, unconcerned that we've effectively sold what little soul we had left for a massive pile of magic beans.

The grovelling letter from the Supporters Trust welcoming the new regime is embarrassing - but sadly they evidently speak for most fans, including Alan Shearer, who has pointed out: "It all depends on whether Newcastle win on a Saturday." It does, it seems - to such an extent that those human rights abuses are easily forgotten if not even forgiven. As I said in exasperation years ago of Joey Barton's continued employment on Tyneside, we could have Pol Pot up front and as long as he was regularly banging them in, few fans would cause a fuss.

How to respond to these latest developments, as someone who is clearly in the minority, other than with dismay? By amplifying Amnesty's call for a more rigorous owners' and directors' test that actually mentions human rights and closes up the sort of loopholes exploited in this instance, for a start. And by seriously contemplating whether I can bear to continue backing the team on the pitch, in the knowledge of who is now backing the club behind the scenes.