Premier League set to make double Newcastle United decision after Manchester United move
Two of Newcastle United's remaining 10 Premier League matches are still to be re-arranged by the Premier League.
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Hide AdHaving missed out on a place in the FA Cup semi-finals following Saturday evening's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City, the Magpies were scheduled to face Manchester United on Saturday, April 20.
But while Newcastle fell short in their quarter-final tie, Man United did not, beating Liverpool 4-3 at Old Trafford after Amad Diallo scored a dramatic last-minute extra-time winner.
The victory set up a last four clash with Championship side Coventry City at Wembley and in turn handing Newcastle a free weekend. A new date for the fixture will be determined by the Premier League, which is almost certain to fall on a midweek night.
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Hide AdNewcastle are already awaiting details on when they will face Crystal Palace. Eddie Howe's side were due to play at Selhurst Park last Saturday but instead went to Manchester after beating Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
That too is set to fall on a midweek evening. United fans have followed their team on their travels despite some questionable kick-off times, as highlighted in a Wor Flag display prior the 4-4 against AFC Bournemouth last month.
On a weekend labelled 'Green Football Weekend', a banner unveiled in the Gallowgate End read "TV before fans". The games that had been impacted were Liverpool on New Year's Day (kick-off 8pm), Fulham on January 27 (kick-off 7pm), Aston Villa on January 30 (kick-off 8:15pm) and Arsenal on February 24 (kick-off 8pm).
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Hide AdA statement then read in full: "Today's display in the Gallowgate is dedicated to highlighting the disgusting kick-off times that have been afforded to us by broadcasters in both the Premier League and The FA Cup since the turn of the year, making a mockery of the Green Football Weekend which is being celebrated by certain broadcasters.
"Newcastle United fans are some of the most passionate and loyal fans around, dedicated to following our team around the country. It is that dedication and passion that is completely taken for granted by TV companies and football's governing bodies. To date, we have only had one Saturday 3pm kick-off away from home this season.
"The cost of being a football fan is getting ever greater, with increased costs on trains, buses and fuel for cars making it an expensive venture, yet the incessant attitude of putting match-going fans last is putting huge strain on supporters.
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Hide Ad"Whilst we still fill away ends, we have not forgotten about those fans priced out by the greed in the game, those who made English football so attractive to the world audience.
"Late announcements of games to suit broadcasters and those watching on TV has a huge impact on the fans they all claim are the lifeblood of the game.
"We are calling on broadcasters, the Premier League, The FA and the clubs to do more for match-going fans. Stop with the unsociable kick-off times, make it fairer for fans travelling and stop your greed."
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