Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Newcastle issue apologetic statement as Southampton game is called off

St Mary's Stadium, general view, home of Premier League side Southampton FC

Newcastle have announced that their Premier League trip to face Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday has been postponed amid the Covid-19 crisis.

The Magpies confirmed the game has been called off due to ongoing coronavirus cases and injuries in their squad.

It follows the postponement of their scheduled game against Everton on Thursday this week.

The game at St Mary’s is the second in Premier League match week 21 to be postponed, following the announcement on Thursday night that the New Year’s Day clash between Leicester and Norwich was off.

Top-flight clubs have stepped up their Covid-19 protocols, including daily testing for players and club staff.

Despite that, a record 103 cases were confirmed last week.

In announcing the postponement,  Newcastle -19th in the Premier League -issued a statement.

It read: “In accordance with protocol, the Magpies submitted a separate request to the Premier League to postpone the trip to the south coast, and this has been approved by the Premier League board.

“Both away fixtures will now be rescheduled and new dates and times will be confirmed in due course.

“Newcastle United once again thanks the respective clubs and the Premier League for their co-operation and understanding.

“The club also extends its sincere apologies to supporters affected by both postponements and asks them to retain their tickets.”

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