Banner with 'Free all Saudi prisoners' message flown over St James' Park during Newcastle vs Arsenal match

A plane was spotted flying over St James’ Park displaying a banner appearing to show opposition to Newcastle’s Saudi-backed owners.

The incident occurred prior to kick off at Newcastle’s Premier League fixture against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The banner read, ‘Free all Saudi prisoners’ as it flew directly over the 52,000 capacity stadium, making it visible to the club’s hierarchy.

Newcastle’s Saudi Arabia-led takeover in 2021 has drawn criticism due to the nation’s poor human rights record.

Allegations of sportswashing have been thrown in the direction of the Magpies, who have seen their fortunes improve since the takeover.

Newcastle have used their new financial power to acquire solid signings such as Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak as the club push for a top-four finish, just a year after avoiding relegation.

Key to the turnaround has been manager Eddie Howe, who has found a way to get his players firing on all cylinders this season.

Howe has made his well-drilled side hard to beat and they currently boast the best defensive record in the Premier League.

At the other end of the pitch, Newcastle have shown their prolific side in recent weeks.

A 6-1 win over top-four rivals Tottenham was followed up with a 4-1 win at Everton and last time out, the Magpies overcame Southampton after falling behind.

Newcastle currently occupy third place and are firm favourites to make a return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2002-03 season, although they’re currently 1-0 down against the Gunners with Martin Odegaard breaking the deadlock.

At the other end of the pitch, Newcastle have shown their prolific side in recent weeks.

A 6-1 win over top-four rivals Tottenham was followed up with a 4-1 win at Everton and last time out, the Magpies overcame Southampton after falling behind.

Newcastle currently occupy third place and are firm favourites to make a return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2002-03 season, although they’re currently 1-0 down against the Gunners with Martin Odegaard breaking the deadlock.