Updates from Newcastle United and the Premier League amid the coronavirus outbreak
Joint statement by the professional football bodies in England, 19/03/2020
The FA, Premier League, EFL and women's professional game, together with the PFA and LMA understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by Covid-19.
We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019/20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.
We have collectively supported UEFA in postponing Euro 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.
The FA's Rules and Regulations state that "the season shall terminate not later than the 1st June" and "each competition shall, within the limit laid down by The FA, determine the length of its own playing season". However, The FA's Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019/20 season in relation to Professional Football. Additionally, we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30th April.
The progress of Covid-19 remains unclear and we can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. We will continue to follow Government advice and work collaboratively to keep the situation under review and explore all options available to find ways of resuming the season when the conditions allow.
We would all like to re-emphasise that our thoughts are with everyone affected by Covid-19.
Newcastle United statement, 13/03/2020
Newcastle United's next two first team matches have been postponed after the Premier League, EFL and Football Association announced a suspension of all professional games in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Magpies were due to face Sheffield United in the Premier League at St. James' Park on Saturday, 14th March before hosting Manchester City in an Emirates FA Cup quarter final tie a week later on Saturday, 21st March.
The Premier League has stated its intention that matches will resume on Saturday, 4th April - when Newcastle United are scheduled to travel to AFC Bournemouth - subject to medical advice and conditions at the time.
Supporters with tickets for either the Premier League match against Sheffield United or Emirates FA Cup tie with Manchester City should retain their tickets, which will be valid for any respective rearranged games.
Meanwhile, Friday's Under-23s fixture with Aston Villa at Whitley Park has also been postponed, with under-23s and Academy football suspended in line with the first team.
Announcements on future matches will be made in due course.
The club can confirm that no players or technical staff currently have coronavirus or are exhibiting any symptoms.
However, as a precaution, Newcastle United is proactively shutting down all on-site football operations at the club’s Training Centre and Academy for a minimum of two weeks.
During this period, first team players will carry out individual exercise programmes at home. The government has advised the public to follow the latest NHS guidelines, which can be found at nhs.uk/coronavirus.
Anyone who suspects they may have symptoms consistent with Covid-19 should use the NHS's online 111 service at 111.nhs.uk.