Eddie Howe launches "dangerous ground" defence over Saudi Arabia questions at Newcastle

Eddie Howe has admitted managers and players have to “educate themselves on all areas of the world” as he was questioned about Newcastle's Saudi owners.

The Newcastle boss wants to stick to his “specialised subject” of building a better team at St James’ Park, and not move into “dangerous ground” by having a “huge opinion.” While he won’t comment in depth publicly on geopolitical issues Howe revealed he always reads up on “world affairs” and knows what’s going on.

The 44-year-old was criticised for stonewalling questions on Saudi Arabia executing 81 men at the weekend after Newcastle’s clash with sanctioned Chelsea brought the political side of football ownership into the spotlight. The Saudi’s have also been criticised for their bombing attacks on Yemen and their human rights record. But PM Boris Johnson is visiting Riyhad on Wednesday to strike a trade and oil deal.

England players will be given a talk on the issues surrounding the Qatar World Cup before they go, and Howe said: “Educating yourself on all areas of the world is a positive thing. I think these discussions if they do highlight issues around the world then that's a positive thing.

"I was a footballer with a slight difference. I was 19 or 20 at Bournemouth going onto the team bus with The Times under my arm and getting some very strange looks from my team-mates. But I come from a family where things were pushed towards me and I was quite interested in world politics.

“It's difficult for everyone concerned. I understand the questions have to be asked, I've got no problem with that. From my perspective – and I've always maintained this – my specialist subject is football. It's what I know, it's what I've trained to do.

“As soon as I deviate from that