Newcastle United Women’s fixture postponed as statement confirms rejected proposal

Newcastle United Women’s opening FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division fixture has been controversially postponed.

The Lady Magpies were due to kick off their 2023-24 campaign against Halifax Women at Kingston Park on Sunday afternoon at 2pm. The fixture was due to take place on the same day as the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, which sees England take on Spain at 11am.

Newcastle confirmed Halifax would be unable to fulfill the fixture, despite their best efforts to get the game to go ahead by offering the visitors a private room to watch the final and complimentary refreshments

“Newcastle United Women’s opening league fixture of the season on Sunday has been postponed after the visitors, Halifax Women, informed the club and the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) that they would be unable to fulfil the fixture,” a club statement read.

“Becky Langley’s side were due to kick off their FAWNL Northern Premier Division campaign at 2pm at Kingston Park, marking their first competitive game since turning fully professional.

“The match was set to take place on the same day as the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, when England will face Spain at 11am BST in Sydney, Australia.

“To enable both clubs and all supporters to enjoy this momentous occasion, Newcastle United Women suggested delaying kick-off until 3pm BST and offered a complimentary private room and refreshments so that the visitors could watch the World Cup final together, however this was rejected by Halifax Women.

“Newcastle United Women apologises to supporters for any disappointment this may cause.

“Ticket holders should retain their tickets and the club will confirm arrangements for either a rearranged fixture or refunds at the earliest opportunity.”

Halifax released a statement of their own: “We are deeply saddened that we have to announce that this Sunday’s fixture away at Newcastle United has been postponed.

“We know that this news will cause disappointment to a number of people who were looking forward to the game, but the players are standing together in their decision to not travel or play the game.

“The decision has been taken due to the women’s World Cup being played on the same day and an opportunity to watch what will hopefully be a fantastic spectacle and momentous occasion would not have been possible without making certain sacrifices due to the travel times involved.

“We thank the league for their statement giving us an opportunity to postpone the game if both teams agreed, unfortunately, this request was rejected by our opponents which we respect and appreciate their reasons why, but has ultimately resulted in us making this difficult decision.

“No further comment will be made at this time.”

Newcastle Women will now open their season against Burnley at Kingston Park next weekend in the FA Women’s National League Cup (2pm kick-off).