Newcastle United's fixtures suspended as Premier League confirm coronavirus measures

It has now been confirmed that no games will be played until the first weekend of April at the earliest, as coronavirus continues to spread around the UK.

And that means that Newcastle United’s home fixture with Sheffield United this weekend will be postponed – as too will their FA Cup quarter final with Manchester City.

Under the current suspension plans, Newcastle’s first game back will be at Bournemouth on April 4 – but the league blackout could quickly be extended beyond the initial three weeks should the need arise.

A full statement from the Premier League is expected shortly, with the EFL having also followed suit.

Next week’s UEFA Champions League and Europa League games have already been cancelled.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson – who has labelled coronavirus as the “worst public health crisis for a generation” – said the Government was "considering the question of banning major sporting events".

He said the evidence suggests it will "have little effect on the spread" of coronavirus, though such events did place a burden on public services.

However the situation escalated overnight with confirmation Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had tested positive with other cases at Bournemouth, Everton and Chelsea, leading the Premier League and EFL to arrange an emergency meeting on Friday.