James Charnock, a Newcastle United supporter living in Mesaieed, Qatar has designed a Toon strip with a difference.
After finding the 50 degree heat unbearable, the 40 year old teacher decided to adopt the native dress but still show off his Geordie roots. He went to his local tailor and ordered a thobe, a style of dress traditional to Qatar that is worn because of its cooling qualities. But this is a thobe with a difference; it has a Northern Rock sponsor badge and Newcastle crest on it and it is (of course) head-to-toe black and white stripes.
James, who is originally from Ashington, Northumberland, emigrated to the Qatar in 2008 to become an IT teacher in Mesaieed International School.
James lives with his wife Pauline and twins Georgina and Joseph, 12. The loyal Newcastle United fan said: “I often wear the thobe when Newcastle come on the box and have had many laughs and strange looks from colleagues and students at school.
“The tailor was a bit shocked at my request but he did a great job, and it is so much cooler in the hot weather. I’ll be back in the Newcastle for the Easter break so hope to give it an airing at St James’ Park.”
James paid 500 Qatar Rials which is about £80 for his thobe, and he is now planning to ger a bright orange one made in honour of the Newcastle away kit.
“I see all the games here on television which is brilliant,” he said. ‘Football is growing here with Qatar hosting the World Cup. I’m trying my best to convert colleagues and the kids into Toon Army fans so there’s a little corner of Qatar that is Newcastle.
“I’ve been supporting Newcastle since 1985 when I was first taken to a match against Watford.
“I think Paul Gascoigne was the Newcastle scorer that day. I was a regular attender to almost every home match.”
Qatar is hosting the 2022 football World Cup. It is the world’s largest producer of both oil and natural gas and has been ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-19th Century.