saafend_seagull
Well-known member
Newcastle's Premiership opener against Middlesbrough on Saturday could be postponed because of the conjunctivitis scare at St James' Park.
Five players - Shay Given, Lee Bowyer, Andy O'Brien, Tony Caig and Laurent Robert - are all sidelined, with the latter the latest to withdraw from training on Monday.
The critical situation has resulted in the club's training complex being closed down, with players forced to change in their cars, while fans have been banned from collecting autographs.
The Premier League is currently looking into the public health issue and it is understood if there is a high-risk factor then it is almost certain the match at The Riverside will be called off.
Alternatively, if it is deemed a low risk, then Sir Bobby Robson's side will be asked to play the game, or make a special application to the Premier League Board to have the game postponed.
A League spokesman said: "We are monitoring the situation and we are liaising with both clubs.
"We are also seeking expert medical advice, although we have no definitive view from them as yet, with regard to the public health connotations of the game, not just for the Newcastle players, but also the Middlesbrough players.''
Newcastle officials are worried about losing further key members of their squad in the next few days, believing the virus is particularly contagious.
"We are very concerned our players are having to train together but this is something they will have to continue to do to prepare for Saturday's game,'' said a United spokesman.
Five players - Shay Given, Lee Bowyer, Andy O'Brien, Tony Caig and Laurent Robert - are all sidelined, with the latter the latest to withdraw from training on Monday.
The critical situation has resulted in the club's training complex being closed down, with players forced to change in their cars, while fans have been banned from collecting autographs.
The Premier League is currently looking into the public health issue and it is understood if there is a high-risk factor then it is almost certain the match at The Riverside will be called off.
Alternatively, if it is deemed a low risk, then Sir Bobby Robson's side will be asked to play the game, or make a special application to the Premier League Board to have the game postponed.
A League spokesman said: "We are monitoring the situation and we are liaising with both clubs.
"We are also seeking expert medical advice, although we have no definitive view from them as yet, with regard to the public health connotations of the game, not just for the Newcastle players, but also the Middlesbrough players.''
Newcastle officials are worried about losing further key members of their squad in the next few days, believing the virus is particularly contagious.
"We are very concerned our players are having to train together but this is something they will have to continue to do to prepare for Saturday's game,'' said a United spokesman.
