Source: Eurosport
Friendly fire from Magpies
Newcastle have reacted with dismay after being told by the Football Association that they cannot proceed with a friendly against Dutch side FC Utrecht at the end of the month.
The Magpies, preparing for life in the Coca-Cola Championship after suffering final-day relegation from the top flight last season, had been due to contest the fixture on July 26 but that date clashed with north-east rivals Sunderland's involvement in the annual Amsterdam Tournament.
With both clubs due to be playing matches on the same day just 30 miles apart, fears were raised that violence could break out between rival fans on foreign soil, with Amsterdam`s mayor calling for Sunderland to be banned from the tournament, but the FA came down on the side of Sunderland and ordered the Magpies to stay at home.
"Newcastle United wish to place on record that they are extremely disappointed by this decision, especially given the fact that on 30 June 2009, the Football Association had approved their application to play in Utrecht, this following discussions with the Dutch FA, Dutch Police, and our own UK Football Policing Unit," read a club statement read on the club`s official wesbite.
"The club now finds itself with its pre-season programme of games disrupted and in the unenviable position of trying to organise another game over that weekend in a very short space of time.
"It should be noted also that Newcastle United had already organised flights and hotel accommodation for its travelling party for the game in Holland. Newcastle United would like to apologise to its supporters for this situation, particularly those that may have already made travel arrangements, however it is clearly a matter that is completely out of its own control."
