Game In Doubt

Game In Doubt

Newcastle's Premiership opener against Middlesbrough on Saturday could be postponed because of the conjunctivitis scare at St James' Park.

Five players - Shay Given, Lee Bowyer, Andy O'Brien, Tony Caig and Laurent Robert - are all sidelined, with the latter the latest to withdraw from training on Monday.

The critical situation has resulted in the club's training complex being closed down, with players forced to change in their cars, while fans have been banned from collecting autographs.

The Premier League is currently looking into the public health issue and it is understood if there is a high-risk factor then it is almost certain the match at The Riverside will be called off.

Alternatively, if it is deemed a low risk, then Sir Bobby Robson's side will be asked to play the game, or make a special application to the Premier League Board to have the game postponed.

A League spokesman said: "We are monitoring the situation and we are liaising with both clubs.

"We are also seeking expert medical advice, although we have no definitive view from them as yet, with regard to the public health connotations of the game, not just for the Newcastle players, but also the Middlesbrough players.''

Newcastle officials are worried about losing further key members of their squad in the next few days, believing the virus is particularly contagious.

"We are very concerned our players are having to train together but this is something they will have to continue to do to prepare for Saturday's game,'' said a United spokesman.

Trying to get ur own back for the snow incident eh

Read this yesterday...

Now its our turn to say it...

CHEATS!!!

Remember fellas if this illness is making our young lads ill just think what it would do to your OAPs

must be a bit of a shock for kluivert going from barcelona's warm climate and excellent training facilities to having a kick a round in a park whilst it's pissing it down with rain


but then i can't talk as my team play gillingham tonight

At least your lot are only ill... usually they are behind bars at this stage of the season

****

Who Supports West Brom???

Wonder what we could say about Leeds

I think it should be called off. Some of the players may have it but have shown no signs. The Boro management wouldn't be too happy if all there players got it. It could spread across the entire Premiership!

We know the rules, Blackburn n all, n if uve got 16 players inc a keeper fit there are no grounds to call it off

* checks the rule book * Bastard.

future conference winners and ldv vans runners-up.

The point I am making though is it might spread to your camp! Do you want that?

Its better than the usual diseases that go round middlesbrough

Very true! But seriously it really should be called off. We could get a team out no bother, and one that I wouldn't mind playing, but it's very risky, is it worth it?

I find it so funny though after what happened with the ice on the steps incident!!

Exactly - pot, kettle, black, springs to mind

The game is on

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/3538226.stm