Conscience must come before cash

I AM an expat Geordie living overseas but keenly keeping up to date with local news.

As a former pupil of Whitley Bay Grammar School we were always taught to be very proud of our heritage and this has been my rock in hard times.

Despite living abroad for many years I am always identified as a Geordie from my accent.

This has become more recognised abroad due to various famous celebraties from our region and amazingly in small villages in far-flung corners of the world people are very up to date with Newcastle United - in many cases more up to date than me !

I was therefore very shocked to find the possible purchase of Newcastle United by those associated with Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) of Saudi Arabia was being seriously considered.

Worldwide, companies have disassociated themselves from MBS wherever possible to safeguard their reputations.

To find a Geordie club could blacken its worldwide reputation by even considering such a move has filled me with sadness that money would once again rise above conscience.

I saw a TV interview of Newcastle supporters and sadly the main focus was on getting rid of Mike Ashley and the scope to buy new players.

Not one supporter expressed any form of recognition the reputation of the club could be damaged by its association with an owner who many regard as a criminal.

I sincerely hope Geordie pride can be maintained and the conscience of supporters and those involved in the sale will rise to the occasion and put conscience above money.