Newcastle United are back at St James’s Park today as they resume their Premier League campaign against Sheffield United, but things look very different to when they left.
From disinfected balls to bare stands, temperature checks to face masks – and the odd lockdown beard – things are looking very different.
Here, we look at the dramatic pictures which show exactly how the ‘new normal’ in the footballing world looks at Newcastle United:
5. Special care is being taken of the corner flags
No stone is being left unturned as football returns to St James's Park. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
6. These streets are usually packed with supporters
Areas around the stadium have been fenced off - and it remains unclear when supporters will once again be back in St James's Park Photo: Ian Forsyth
7. Teams are staggering their entries to the field
As is now the case in all Premier League games where there is only one tunnel, the away team will enter the field first to ensure social distancing can be maintained. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
8. Handshakes are off the table
Opposition managers won't take part in the customary pre-match handshake, with some club staff wearing face masks on the touchline. Photo: Michael Regan