Newcastle Manager Eddie Howe Confronted Over Executions In Saudi Arabia During Press Conference

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe insisted he stick to 'football questions' a day after the state of Saudi Arabia confirmed they'd carried out 81 executions.

The Magpies were taken over by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia in October and will likely become a powerhouse in world football under their ownership.

It's seen many oppose Newcastle's links to the PIF and the country's human rights records have been questioned.

The Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed 81 individuals had been executed over the weekend, the largest number on a single day in the country's history.

A statement read: "These individuals, totalling 81, were convicted of various crimes including murdering innocent men, women and children.

"Crimes committed by these individuals also include pledging allegiance to foreign terrorist organisations, such as ISIS (Islamic State), al-Qaeda and the Houthis."

Howe was asked about the news following his side's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

The 44-year-old said: "I'm here to manage the football team and coach the football team.

"I'm well aware of what's going on around the world but my focus is on trying to produce a team to win football matches and get enough points to stay in the league. And that's all I'll talk about."

Howe was then asked if he understands why he gets these questions and swiftly replied: "I don't know what to answer to that, I'm going to talk football, that's all I'm concerned with."

A further push from a journalist saw Howe stress: "I've made my position clear."

Newcastle arrived at Stamford Bridge on an nine game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

They managed to stifle Thomas Tuchel's side throughout the contest and the Blues didn't register a shot on target until the 75th minute.

Kai Havertz's strike in the 89th minute eventually won the game and it was a lovely finish.

Havertz plucked a Jorginho pass out of the air and fired past Martin Dubravka to seal victory, although he was lucky to avoid a red card after catching Dan Burn with an elbow in the first half.

It was Chelsea's first home game since owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned.

Abramovich has been sanctioned following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, meaning all his assets are currently frozen.

Chelsea are still operating thanks to a special licence from the UK government.