Newcastle face Uefa punishment without kicking a ball as storm throws Champions League plans into chaos
NEWCASTLE face a Uefa punishment because of a storm that has disrupted their Champions League plans.
That’s because Eddie Howe‘s pre-match press conference is set to be delayed.
Howe and his Newcastle squad are not set to land in Milan until 7:50pm local time.
Uefa rules state press conferences must take place between 12-8pm.
Newcastle had scheduled their press conference to take place at 7pm, but stormy conditions disrupted their journey to northern Italy.
Toon were supposed to travel to Milan Malpensa Airport at 2:30pm, but their flight only took off at 4:49pm.
And although the delay was out of the club’s control, Newcastle could still be sanctioned after breaking Article 73.
The regulation states: “Each club must hold a pre-match press conference the day before the match.
“Each press conference must be attended by the head coach of the team and at least one player. If the head coach is suspended for the match, clubs have the option of replacing him at the pre-match press conference with the assistant coach.
“The two press conferences must be arranged by the two clubs and UEFA together, so that the media can attend both. Press conferences must start between 12.00 and 20.00 local time. Exceptions to these timings must be agreed in advance with UEFA.
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“Press conferences may be broadcast live regardless of location, and clubs must provide facilities for such live broadcasts, including cable routes and parking for TV vehicles.”
However it is possible Uefa will let Newcastle off the hook as the bad weather was unpredictable and out of their control.
The Magpies take on AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday in their first Champions League game for 22 years.