“Get fans back into Premier League games” demands Newcastle boss Bruce
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Steve Bruce has demanded Newcastle United fans are allowed back into St James’ Park as quickly as possible – despite a strict local coronavirus lockdowns.
The United chief reckons the Premier League isn’t a “spectacle” without St James’ at least partly full and says the North East – hard hit by an extra lockdown rules on Thursday – needs a lift.
Bruce says the club are watching a pilot scheme to bring fans back in the Bundesliga this weekend closely, with stadia up to 20pc of capacity.
The Newcastle boss said: “If we ever need reminding of what the game is all about, it’s the lack of supporters at the moment. It’s just not the same.
(Image: PA)
“Whenever you talk about football and the supporters, without it its just not the spectacle. The pilot schemes are a start, and if we look at the Bundesliga they’re getting something like 20 per cent of their capacity this weekend. Let’s hope that is a success.
“We hope we can get fans back into the stadium. The whole of the NE has been rocked, so we could do with a bit of good news for a change. If the football gives people a bit of relief, then all well and good.”
Newcastle would lose £25m in “match day revenue” if the ground was shut to fans for a season – more than £1m a match.
Newcastle and surrounding council areas have been restricted this week with households not allowed to mix and pub curfews.
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Bruce, whose side face Brighton on Sunday in front of an empty stadium, said: “It’s a concern for the whole of the NE at the moment. We always seem to get it tough up here.
“In football I think we are the fortunate ones. We’re tested twice a week but further down the pyramid its not the case.”
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