Newcastle United Cleared To Keep Away Fans In Upper Deck At St. James' Park

Newcastle United won its "first Premier League battle without kicking a ball" after learning it would be "allowed to keep away fans up in the gods" at St. James' Park, according to Mike Keegan of the London DAILY MAIL. Under new rules for the coming season, top flight clubs must locate visiting supporters at the pitchside level. League and TV execs "believe such placement leads to a better atmosphere and a better product on the screen." However, club officials said that safety issues "made such a shift at their home impossible." League bosses declined to comment but they are expected to work with the club over the course of the season "with a view to making the change next term." Away fans at St. James' "currently have to climb 14 flights of stairs to get to their spot in the Leazes End" (DAILY MAIL, 6/13).