Newcastle United takeover: Joyous scenes as fans celebrate new era

Fans had been massing at St James' Park throughout Thursday before the news broke in the early evening

There were scenes of jubilation at St James' Park as Newcastle United fans celebrated a new era under new owners.

Thousands flocked to the stadium on Thursday after a £305m Saudi Arabian-backed takeover was confirmed.

It ends Mike Ashley's 14-year spell as owner in which the club has twice been relegated from the Premier League.

Toon Legend Alan Shearer says it marked a "special day" for the club's long-suffering supporters, although the move has proved controversial.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which will provide 80% of funds for the deal, is seen as separate to the state, which has been criticised over its human rights record.

This is despite the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, being listed as PIF chair.

Fans were keen to get into the spirit of its new era as they celebrated outside St James' Park on Thursday

If you see #cans trending on social media it is Newcastle United fans who will be responsible

Some fans went the extra mile to mark the long-awaited takeover

The Premier League says it had "legally binding assurances" that the kingdom of Saudi Arabia would not control the club

PIF has assets of £250bn, making Newcastle one of the richest clubs in the world

The news came as a complete shock to fans after an 18-month battle

The partying in Newcastle carried on well into the night

While some fans nursed sore heads, it was a busy morning for Newcastle's cleaning teams

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