Alcohol Restricted At Boleyn Ground

Newcastle United have been informed that no alcohol will be served in visitors' concourses after kick-off at West Ham United's Boleyn Ground on Saturday.

With the Magpies' allocation of 3,000 tickets for the Barclays Premier League meeting completely sold out, concerns about concourse congestion in away areas were raised by the independent Safety Advisory Group, which oversees safety measures for West Ham United home fixtures.

Alcohol will continue to be sold to visiting supporters before kick-off but will not be available in away concourses during the match or at half-time.

All other items, including soft drinks and hot and cold food - which can be taken into seating areas at any time - will be sold until the second half begins.

A Boleyn Ground Safety Advisory Group statement said: "When there has been large capacity away attendances at West Ham, during matchday inspections it has been observed that the area around the bar has become extremely congested at half-time, presenting a risk to public safety.

"This matter has been discussed at length in the Safety Advisory Group. The initial steps proposed to manage this problem have not been effective and it has been agreed with all agencies that the bar in the away fans concourse will not serve any alcohol once the match has started but will remain open for the sale of light refreshments and food until the second half has started."

Steve Storey, head of safety and security at Newcastle United, said: "While we are disappointed our supporters will not have access to a full range of refreshments at the Boleyn Ground during the game, we naturally respect the decision of the Safety Advisory Group and ask that our supporters adhere to any instructions from stewards and safety personnel before, during and after the match."