Southampton launch complaint after Newcastle confirm Sunday's game is now OFF
Newcastle United have confirmed that Sunday's trip to Southampton is now OFF.
The club have released a statement revealing that the Premier League have accepted their request to postpone the fixture, stating that we have ongoing issues with COVID-19 cases and injuries within the first-team squad.
This is the second game to be called off this week, with us also seeing Thursday night's trip to Everton postponed.
Interestingly, The Telegraph have since reported that Southampton are 'furious' at the Premier League's decision and have launched a complaint against Newcastle United, citing the 'lack of transparency when fixtures are suddenly called off.'
Here's the official statement released by the club on the Southampton v Newcastle match:
‘Sunday’s Premier League clash between Southampton and Newcastle United at St. Mary’s Stadium has been postponed due to ongoing Covid-19 cases and injuries amongst the Magpies’ first team squad.
The match is the second successive Newcastle United fixture to be postponed following the cancellation of Thursday’s scheduled game at Everton, with several players and staff having succumbed to illness and injury over the festive period.
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 cooperation and understanding.
The club also extends its sincere apologies to supporters affected by both postponements and asks them to retain their tickets.
The club will not be naming individuals who have contracted Covid-19 or their vaccination status. We ask that their privacy is respected and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.
For the latest coronavirus guidance, please visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
To find out more about vaccinations and how to book one, please visit nhs.uk/covidvaccine.’
