When the Premier League restarts there will be no fans in attendance, as we all know. Newcastle have decided that the way in which they will use the seats at St James’ Park will be to use the space to promote local causes – including the NUFC Fans Foodbank.
The message of the foodbank and their text donation number will be placed in a prominent position so that the television cameras will pick it up.
As well as that, the clubs anti-discrimination initiative #UnitedAsOne will be visible to viewers as well as some club related artwork.
The clubs have been told they can fill their stands however they like, as they did in the Bundesliga. Our friends in Germany have trialled a number of different things including cardboard cut outs of fans at Borussia Moenchengladbach.
The NUFC Fans Foodbank, which is part of the West End Foodbank, has a firm place in the heart of the club’s fans. Each home game there is a collection point on Strawberry Place which often raises thousands – so it is a cause very close to the club.
Seeing charity banners and anti-discrimination banners is something we will be very proud to see in our seats at St James’ Park. Pride is an emotion very rarely felt by the Toon Army of late, so this will be a welcome change to what has become a nauseating reality.
The first home game for Newcastle post-COVID will see Sheffield United come to town next weekend. After that, Villa will make the trip north in midweek before Manchester City visit for an FA Cup quarter-final tie the following weekend.
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