Roberto Mancini’s team were defeated in their first friendly at St James’ Park which also featured a sportswashing protest
As kick off approached and a blend of Arab pop and Bedouin-influenced Khaleeji music drifted out of the stadium sound system it became increasingly clear this was no ordinary match.
Outside St James’ Park, Arabic was the dominant language as groups of young Saudi Arabian men, many dressed in immaculate white thawbs topped off by red and white chequered ghutras, milled around chatting and taking selfies.
About Author
More Stories
Katie Boulter heads for career-high ranking after reaching Hong Kong final
Tonga hold on to beat New Zealand 25-24 in ‘unforgettable’ Pacific Cup classic
From an Olympian to a 45-race veteran: the hopes of New York Marathon runners