By Tyne-Talk
July 15 2009

If it hadn't been for the English FA, Newcastle's pre-season friendly in Holland against Utrecht would still be taking place. The Mayor of Amsterdam Job Cohen initially called for Sunderland's game to be cancelled, but the FA intervened because Sunderland tickets for the Amsterdam Tournament had already gone on sale, unlike tickets to the Newcastle match to be held some 30 miles away. The FA released the following statement;

"After liaising with the KNVB (Dutch football federation) and the UK and Dutch police, permission was given to both clubs, with assurances made to the FA that there were no objections to both playing in Holland at the same time.

Following concerns raised by the Mayor of Amsterdam, it became clear that only one of the two teams would be able to travel, and the FA actively sought to resolve the situation.

Priority was given to Sunderland for three reasons; their application to play was received first, tickets have already been sold to their supporters, and travel arrangements have already been made.

Newcastle United have not yet sold any tickets to their supporters."

Utrecht also had their say;

"We've been busy organising this match since 3 June.  The city and police were involved from the start in the safety measures and they had good contact with their English colleagues.

On June 30 we even received a fax from the FA in which they told us that they had spoken with the KNVB and given Newcastle United permission to travel to Utrecht.

After that the city of Amsterdam went into action and the FA withdrew their permission.

According to agreements, we didn't sell any tickets to Newcastle fans.

The organisers of the Amsterdam Tournament did sell tickets to the Sunderland fans and now say they can't take that back. That's really warped.  We have a very bad taste in our mouths because of this."

And NUFC have apologised to fans for the change to the pre-season fixture list;

"The club now finds itself with its pre-season programme disrupted and trying to organise another game that weekend in a very short space of time.

Newcastle United would like to apologise to its supporters, particularly those that may have already made travel arrangements, however it is clearly a matter that is completely out of its control."

Mayor of Amsterdam Wanted Toon In Town

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 15/07/2009 20:24

TyneTalk
15/07/2009 20:24

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