Newcastle United have confirmed that 10,000 fans will be back at St James’ Park for the clash with Sheffield United.
The club will stage a ballot to decide which supporters get to see the encounter with the Blades.
The Magpies last played in front of a crowd on Tyneside in February 2020 for the 0-0 draw with Burnley.
A club statement read: “This is following the government’s target dates for Step 3 of the roadmap out of COVID-19 restrictions, which will see every Premier League team able to host one home game with a limited number of supporters in attendance.
“This is subject to any future announcements from government which may change these circumstances; it is currently anticipated that government will announce the move to Step 3 on 10th May.
“The club has been planning for the return of fans for several months, putting in place a range of protocols to ensure supporters’ matchday experience is as safe and comfortable as possible.
“The Magpies host Sheffield United at 6pm BST on Wednesday 19th May and the ticket ballot process for eligible supporters will commence from 10am BST on Friday 7th May.”
Eligible supporters are those with season tickets on long-term price freeze deals, as well as supporters who held a valid season ticket at the end of the 2019/20 season AND continue to have account credit outstanding.
To ensure fairness, the process will start with a ballot which opens at 10am on Friday 7th May.
The ballot closes at 10am on Sunday 9th May, giving a full 48-hour period for eligible supporters to apply. The club will contact those successful in the ballot on Tuesday 11th May.
