Why has Everton vs Newcastle been postponed and when will it be rearranged for?
The Magpies’ request for the Goodison Park fixture on December 30 to be scrapped has been accepted by the Premier League amid a number of Covid cases in their camp.
What’s happened
Following Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Monday, manager Eddie Howe admitted the trip to Merseyside was in doubt.
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Hide AdHowe revealed there were several players who’d tested positive for coronavirus, while a number of his troops were struggling with injuries.
The former Bournemouth manager confessed the St James’ Park outfit were struggling to raise the minimum number of players required - 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper - to fulfil the fixture.
Now the Premier League’s board believe the Magpies meet the correct criteria to postpone the game.
A Newcastle statement said: “A number of players and staff members have returned positive results during routine PCR tests in recent days, while several players have suffered injuries during an extremely busy period of fixtures.
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Hide Ad“Accordingly, Newcastle United lodged a formal request with the Premier League to postpone Thursday’s fixture at Goodison Park, and that has been approved by the Premier League Board.
“The match, which was scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm (GMT), will now be rescheduled and a new date and time will be confirmed in due course.
“Newcastle United would like to place on record its thanks to Everton FC and the Premier League for their cooperation and understanding.
“The club also wishes to offer its sincere apologies to supporters of both clubs for any inconvenience caused by these circumstances.
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Hide Ad“Newcastle United will continue to follow extensive coronavirus protocols and the club is working with Public Health England North East (PHE), local health authorities and the Premier League to minimise the risk of further transmission.
“The club will not be naming individuals who have contracted Covid-19 or their vaccination status. We ask that their privacy is respected and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.”
When will Everton vs Newcastle be rearranged for?
Everton have now had three successive matches postponed.
Their encounters with Leicester (19 December) and Burnley (26 December) were also axed for Covid reasons.
It means Rafa Benitez’s side have a third fixture they must squeeze into their diary in the new year.
A new date has yet to be decided. All match tickets will remain valid for the rearranged game.