TOON SEASON TICKET HOLDERS UP IN ARMS

NEWCASTLE UNITED Supporters Trust claim they have been told by the club that it has no intention of suspending season ticket payments despite calls to do so. Both the NUST and fan group Toon For Change have urged owner Mike Ashley to help alleviate the financial stress of the coronavirus crisis by not collecting scheduled direct debits for next season, with uncertainty over when — and if — it will be played. But many supporters have reported that full payment for their season tickets were taken on Wednesday. That triggered a response from NUST, who said: ‘Last week NUST contacted Newcastle United to express significant concerns regarding season ticket payments. We did not receive a response. ‘Yesterday we went public with our request for the suspension of all future season ticket payments during this incredibly difficult time. ‘There is no prospect of professional football recommencing any time soon given the current global health crisis, let alone the prospect of understanding the implications on timing on fixtures for next season. ‘We find it incredibly disturbing that the club continues to take payments from supporters during these extremely difficult times, in what is a health and economic crisis. ‘Following our call for the suspension and delay of all future season ticket payments Newcastle United contacted us earlier today. ‘The club stated it has no intention of freezing or delaying payments, both for those that pay annually and monthly.’ Newcastle say that season ticket holders were contacted earlier this month and offered the chance to switch from an annual payment to monthly direct debits. They say money taken this week is in line with the usual payment schedule for fans who opt to pay up front and are on the long-term, price-freeze package.