Exclusive: Newcastle United set to announce St James' Park fan return plans – and how many supporters will be allowed entry

And the Gazette understands the Magpies are set to permit the full 10,000 fans back into the ground, as per Government guidelines, for the penultimate Premier League game of the season against Sheffield United on Wednesday, May 19.

United fans have not entered St James' since the 0-0 Premier League draw with Burnley on February 29, 2020.

Fan return plans are likely to closely follow those of the pilot schemes and trial runs at Wembley for the recent FA Cup semi-finals and League Cup final.

This included fans wearing masks throughout the game, heading straight to their seat on arrival, providing full identification and completing a full medical questionnaire around 72 hours prior to arrival.

Newcastle United has more than 30,000 current season ticket holders, with only a third of those allowed entry later this month. It is thought a straight ballot is the most likely way the club will decide who is allocated tickets, for those season ticket holders who want to attend.

No away fans will be in attendance at SJP, nor will any be allowed to travel for the final day game at Fulham's Craven Cottage.

Confirming the news, a Premier League statement, released yesterday, read: “The Premier League has today confirmed that the final two matchweeks of the 2020/21 season will be limited to home fans.

“Supporters are expected to be able to return to stadiums from 17 May in a reduced capacity, pending the final Government decision on planned Step 3 conditions, which will be announced no later than 10 May."

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