There was no post-match reaction from Saudia Arabia’s match against Costa Rica at St James’ Park after the Saudi Ministry of Sport placed a media blackout on any media access.
This means there was no reaction from Roberto Mancini, who was taking charge of his first game as the new Saudia Arabia boss.
This decision has been taken by the Saudi government and Newcastle United had no jurisdiction over this match.
It was the first of two friendly matches Saudi Arabia are playing at St James’ Park this international break. Fewer than 5,000 fans turned up and the game was proceeded by a protest outside the ground by ‘Newcastle Fans Against Sportswashing’.
