Saudi Arabia's big night out in Newcastle spoiled by Costa Rica

09/09/2023 00:39

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.