The new rules Newcastle United fans will have to follow at St James's Park for the Sheffield United game

It's been almost 15 months since the stadium last hosted supporters due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the club is ready to welcome back supporters following the relaxing of lockdown restrictions.

The Government is allowing up to 10,000 fans to attend Premier League games, but Newcastle supporters attending Wednesday night’s home game against Sheffield United will have a very different matchday experience.

Tickets

The club allocated tickets to “eligible season-ticket holders on long term deals and with account credit” through a ballot earlier this month, and a “limited” number of tickets also went on sale last week. Tickets for this game are non-transferrable.

There will also be fans in the corporate boxes at St James’s Park, though these will not be open at full capacity.

Before the game

Fans attending the fixture must complete a health questionnaire in a 72-hour period beforehand. They must also give their details for NHS Test & Trace. Supporters do NOT need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test – or of their vaccination status.

However, fans must sign up to a new Code of Conduct, which covers social distancing and hand hygiene. They must also inform the club if their circumstances change before the game.

Entry

Fans must wear face coverings at all times inside the stadium, unless they are exempt in line with Government guidelines. Fans can remove their face covering to drink. Importantly, scarves, snoods and visors are not permitted as face coverings.

Children under the age of 11 are not required to wear a face covering. Those supporters who informed the club that they were exempt from wearing a face covering will be given a wristband.

Access to St James’s Park will be via the entrance nearest to your turnstile. No bags are allowed.

Supporters aged 16 and over must bring photo ID with them. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, photo driving licence, national identity cards and professional photo ID.

During the game

Fans are required to make their way “directly” to their seat, and not to congregate in the concourse areas. Supporters must stay in their social bubbles, and only sit in their allocated seat, and “avoid face-to-face contract” with other fans.

Newcastle have published all protocols here.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor