Newcastle United news: Pundit rages over controversial development – ‘I hate it’
Newcastle United should not be playing a friendly in Australia less than a week after the Premier League season ends.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton fumed that the Magpies and Tottenham are set to take a 21,000-mile round trip days after the hectic league campaign.
The sides are set to travel to Melbourne for the clash on 22 May, with many stars expected to travel also set to play in this summer’s Euros in Germany and the Copa America in the United States.
Reportedly, the Professional Footballers Association are likely to intervene regarding the friendly amid concerns about player welfare and the environmental impact of seemingly unnecessary long-haul flights.
Hutton “does not agree” with Newcastle plan
Hutton admitted that “huge” clubs like Newcastle have commitments to their international fans, but suggested that such a fixture be played in pre-season rather than just days after the end of the campaign.
“I think the environmental aspects are something that should be looked at and considered,” he told Football Insider.
“These are huge clubs, so I get that they want to show international fans games.
“They’re willing to travel, but part of me thinks that pre-season is the time to do it, not right after the league has finished.
“They can go away for two or three weeks, whatever it may be, and play two or three games and give an opportunity for the fans to watch.
“I hated it when we went on end-of-season tours!
“You’ve had a long season, you probably have international football, there’s the Euros coming up too.
“All you want to do is make sure you’re fit and healthy then rest up, recharge to go again.
“When you’re travelling 24 hours to go and play a game, it’s taking maybe a week off your holiday.
“But from the club’s point of view, you have to do it.
“I don’t agree with it, but it has to be done.”
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