Newcastle United Carabao Cup clash with AFC Bournemouth rearranged amidst NHS strike chaos

The date for the fourth round Carabao Cup tie between Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth has been changed just one week ahead of the match as a result of NHS strike action.

The Magpies were due to take on The Cherries atSt. James’ Park at 7:45 pm on Wednesday, December 21. This date has now been confirmed as a day for NHS strike action and, as a result, the fixture has been moved 24 hours earlier.

Now, Newcastle United will take on Bournemouth on Tuesday, December 20 with kick-off remaining at 7:45 pm.

It means that Newcastle will be back in action for the first time since the long break for the World Cup in Qatar earlier than expected.

A statement from the club read: “The planned strike action has significant safety implications on the club’s matchday medical provisions.

“Local authority have informed the club that even if private ambulance service provision was secured for the fixture, medical and safety protocols - including the major incident plan and the spectator safety medical plan - would need to be reviewed and redrafted with any new medical provider and presented to the Safety Advisory Group for approval. This process would be unlikely to be completed satisfactorily within the timeframe available.

“In order to effectively plan and resource for the safety of all supporters attending the fixture, and to give fans of both clubs as much notice as possible of the change in circumstances, the decision has been made to move the game to Tuesday night. All tickets purchased for the match will still be valid.

“Further details regarding ticket refunds will be confirmed in due course.