Newcastle United games 'set to go behind closed doors'

The World Health Organisation yesterday declared the coronavirus strain Covid-19 as pandemic.

And the Government is set to move to the “delay” stage of its action plan to deal with the spread of the virus, and The Times report that Premier League games will soon be played behind closed doors.

The fixtures, it’s claimed, will not be postponed, though they will not be shown in pubs. Newcastle are due to take on Sheffield United at St James’s Park on Saturday – a capacity crowd is expected – and a home FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City is scheduled for March 21.

Bruce, United’s head coach, spoke about the prospect of playing behind-closed-doors games after last weekend’s 1-0 win over Southampton.

“All of us are obviously concerned,” said Bruce. “When you hear the threat of what’s happening in Italy, of playing (Serie A) games behind closed doors, we have to think of people’s health. It’s more important than a football match. We’ll all be guided (by the authorities). People are dying. We have to abide with whatever the medical people (say).”

Bruce had previously spoken about the “inevitability” of playing games in closed stadiums.

Newcastle this week issued coronavirus guidance to supporters ahead of the forthcoming games.

Hand sanitisers have been placed around the stadium, and all club staff, including players, have been advised not to shake hands. Non-football events, meetings and engagements have been cancelled.