Richard Masters has an encouraging stadium update for Newcastle United fans

Football went behind closed doors 11 months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic – and it’s almost a year since Newcastle United fans last attended a home game.

St James’s Park last hosted supporters on February 29 last year, when Burnley were held to a goalless draw.

With Covid-19 vaccines now being rolled out across the country, the latest lockdown restrictions are set to be progressively eased over the coming months.

Premier League chief executive Masters – who last month broke his silence on a proposed £300million takeover of Newcastle – hasn’t given up hope that some fans could be allowed to return this season, though he’s more confident of a “quick” return for supporters next term.

Speaking at the Financial Times’s Business of Football summit, Masters said: “This pandemic has a way of surprising you, as it did over Christmas. We haven’t lost hope that we might see a few back even this season, depending on what happens, the direction of the numbers and Government decisions.

"Certainly, next season, I hope we can open it up quickly with the support of everybody, and get fans back into stadiums in real numbers, and get back to the real Premier League.

“We’re probably getting used to watching live football on television without fans – and I don’t want to see that for too long.”

The Premier League yesterday revealed that all games would continue to be screened live until supporters are allowed back into stadiums.

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