Off-pitch controversies dominate national verdict on Newcastle United's defeat at Chelsea

Here is what the national press had to say following Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The Guardian preferred to focus on the ownership models of both clubs rather than the game itself. David Hytner slammed Roman Abramovich and the Toon's new Saudi-backed regime: “It was a day when the action on the field felt strangely incidental, as Chelsea played at Stamford Bridge for the first time since the fall of their oligarch owner, Roman Abramovich, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Facing them were opponents owned by the Public Investment Fund of a country that is involved in the war with Yemen and also one in which 81 men were executed on Saturday. Outgoing Russian money versus incoming Saudi Arabian money, with ethical questions everywhere. It was one to warm the hearts of the romantics.”

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BBC reporter Michael Emons called it ‘fitting’ that Newcastle were Chelsea’s opponents due to the ownership structure at St James’ Park. He wrote: “It seemed fitting that Newcastle, another side with hugely controversial owners following their takeover in October by the Saudi Arabian-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF), were Chelsea's opponents on a day when events off the field were talked about as much as those on it.

“Newcastle's takeover and the potential huge investment into the club was celebrated by their fans a few months ago, although Amnesty International said, "it represented a clear attempt by the Saudi authorities to sportswash their appalling human rights record with the glamour of top-flight football".

Matt Barlow of the Daily Mail questioned whether Mike Ashley would be a good fit for Chelsea after