Newcastle United cancel end of season bash amid relegation battle

Newcastle United have cancelled their end of season awards ceremony with the club still in serious danger of relegation from the Premier League.

St James’ Park was due to be the venue for a dinner in aid of the Newcastle United Foundation charity but with John Carver’s side just one place and two points above the drop zone after a run of eight defeats and a draw, club officials have deemed such celebrations inappropriate.

A club statement read: “Newcastle United Football Club has made the very difficult decision that in view of the current league position, it would not be appropriate for the team and coaching staff to be celebrating the season and collecting awards at a time when our only focus is on the next two games and securing Premier League status.

“The club would like to extend its apologies for any inconvenience caused to those businesses who had purchased tables to support the event, but we hope that you can appreciate our decision has not been taken lightly.”

Newcastle face QPR, whose fate was sealed last weekend, at Loftus Road on Saturday before hosting West Ham on the final day of the season.