Ticket says Trust as it urges club to treat its fans with respect

pausing or refunding payments. It is a decision the club seem no closer to reversing, despite pressure on social media and from several supporters’ groups.

A trust spokesperson told the Chronicle: “It is a difficult one to comprehend.

“Newcastle United fans year on year continue to show a great devotion to their club and continue to support it in times of need.

“Yet now, at a time when supporters across the country are facing financial hardship, and with no return to football stadia for the foreseeable future, the club are not showing the same level of respect to the supporters.”

Joe Chilcott, a season-ticket holder and member of Toon for Change, added: “The club’s decision to continue taking season ticket payments is disappointing but not surprising under the current regime.

“The most frustrating thing is the club’s refusal to answer our emails and questions.”

The row over season-ticket payments came at the same time as the club has faced criticism for its decision to furlough non-playing staff.

The Magpies remain the only top-flight club to continue to take advantage of the scheme.

The NUST spokesperson added: “We need to see a form of communication to supporters to justify the club’s current stance of taking money for games which are highly unlikely to have football fans in attendance.

“We are calling for a freeze of all future payments until the Government and the Premier League have a plan in place for football fans to safely return to stadiums.

“Many clubs around the Premier League have offered their support to their season ticket holders.

“Newcastle United fans should not be left behind here.”