NEWCASTLE UNITED’S final home game of the season could be pushed back to enable supporters to attend.

The Government’s plans to exit lockdown, which were announced on Monday, stated that limited crowds would be able to return to sporting events from Monday, May 17 if the necessary conditions were met.

The final round of Premier League matches is due to take place on Sunday, May 23, which means Newcastle’s final game at Fulham, which could be of huge significance in the battle to avoid relegation, could be staged with fans in attendance. With a major renovation of Craven Cottage under way, it is currently estimated that around 5,000 supporters could be admitted if the regulations remain unchanged.

However, given that none of the teams playing away on the final weekend of the season will have been able to play in front of their own supporters, concerns have been raised over sporting integrity and the potential for clubs like Fulham to gain an unfair advantage from being able to play their final fixture in front of their own fans.

As a result, the Premier League is understood to be discussing the option of moving the penultimate round of fixtures from its current date on the weekend of Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16 to the following midweek.

That would mean Newcastle’s final home game against Sheffield United moving beyond the start date for allowing spectators to return, which would potentially allow some Magpies supporters to be present at St James’ Park.

The regulations outlined on Monday state that from May 17, large outdoor sporting venues will be able to admit up to 10,000 people or be a quarter full, whichever is the lower figure.

Therefore, if the Sheffield United game was to be rescheduled for a midweek slot on Tuesday, May 18 or Wednesday, May 19, 10,000 fans would be able to attend.