Boris Johnson confirms Newcastle United set to welcome full crowds back to St. James's Park for Premier League opener against West Ham United

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced Government proposals to end lockdown restrictions from July 19, also dubbed Freedom Day. This includes the end of social distancing, the mandatory wearing of face coverings and the return of capacity crowds to sports events in England for the first time since March 2020.

The easing comes just ahead of the 2021-22 Premier League and Football League seasons set to start in early August. It also means restrictions won’t be in place for some friendly games that take place on or after July 19.

Newcastle United travel to Doncaster Rovers on July 23 (7pm kick-off), Rotherham United on July 27 (7pm kick-off) and Burton Albion on July 30 (7:45pm kick-off). They end their pre-season campaign at St. James’s Park against Norwich City on August 7 (2pm kick-off) before kicking-off their Premier League season at home to West Ham United on August 15 (2pm kick-off).

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