Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sport imposed a media blackout after their 3-1 friendly defeat by Costa Rica at St James' Park, it has emerged.
Roberto Mancini's first match in charge of the Saudi team was marred by the loss and he was later prevented from conducting his usual post-match press duties.
Typically, a manager will address both the written and broadcast media after every match regardless of the result, with only exceedingly rare exceptions made.
As a result of the blackout being imposed, Mancini was barred from discussing the loss on Tyneside. Newcastle United were not involved in the decision.