Newcastle United takeover petition gains support amid anger at Premier League

Tens of thousands of fans have signed an online petition calling for an investigation into Premier League’s takeover process.

A proposed £300million takeover of Newcastle United collapsed this week after the consortium behind the deal failed to get a decision – or a timeframe for approval – from the Premier League.

The deal, which was 80% funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, would have seen £250million invested in the club over a five-year period – and more money put into the city and local community. Financier Amanda Staveley – who led the takeover – has told of her “heartbreak”.

A change.org petition to Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already been signed by more than 40,000 people.

The petition, set up by a Newcastle fan, “aims to engage the government in establishing an independent investigation into the Premier League takeover process”, which was led by chief executive Richard Masters.