INTERNATIONAL: News that English Premier League club, Newcastle, has been sold to a Saudi-led consortium, has been warmly received by its legion of fans. The purchase has brought to an end the deeply unpopular reign of owner Mike Ashley, who had long ceased to be a fan favourite over what most saw as a lack of investment in the club.

Delirious fans outside St James' Park welcomed the announcement, chanting "we've got our club back". In a letter addressed to the new owners, the chair of the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust, Greg Tomlinson, said that for the first time in many years fans believe that their desire for an ambitious Newcastle could now become a reality

Fans have brushed off concerns from human right groups, who say Saudi Arabia is merely trying to "sportswash" its human rights record.

^{PHOTO: NEWCASTLE UNITED FANS CELEBRATING CHANGE OF TEAM OWNERSHIP OUTSIDE ST JAMES PARK}