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Health scare at Newcastle threatens season opener
First Published: Aug 10, 2004
Goalkeeper Shay Given is one of five players victims of an outbreak of conjunctivitis at the club's training ground which could force Newcastle to apply to have Saturday's opening match postponed
Newcastle could see their first matches of the 2004-2005 Premiership season, starting with the opener at Middlesbrough on Saturday, severely compromised following a health scare at the club.
Premier League bosses are closely monitoring an outbreak of conjunctivitis at the club's training ground which could force Newcastle to apply to have Saturday's opening match postponed.
Five players - Shay Given, Lee Bowyer, Andy O'Brien, Tony Caig and Laurent Robert - are all sidelined, with the latter the latest to withdraw from training on Monday.
The situation has led to the club's training complex being closed down, with players forced to change in their cars, while fans have been banned from collecting autographs.
The Premier League are currently looking into the public health issue and it is understood if there is a high-risk factor then it is almost certain the match at the Riverside will be called off.
If it is deemed a low risk Sir Bobby Robson's side will be asked to play the game, or make a special application to the Premier League Board to have the game postponed.
A League spokesman said: "We are monitoring the situation and we are liaising with both clubs.
"We are also seeking expert medical advice, although we have no definitive view from them as yet, with regard to the public health connotations of the game, not just for the Newcastle players, but also the Middlesbrough players."
Newcastle officials are worried about losing further key members of their squad in the next few days, believing the virus is particularly contagious.
"We are very concerned our players are having to train together but this is something they will have to continue to do to prepare for Saturday's game," said a United spokesman.
"There is an eight-day incubation period and it is possible more of our players could have the virus without them knowing about it.
"Medical experts have told us in cases like this, 70 to 80% of the work-force are usually affected by the virus and this is worrying.
"Not only that, but we have been told a small percentage of people who get this do have long-term eye problems and this is also a concern."
First Published: Aug 10, 2004
Goalkeeper Shay Given is one of five players victims of an outbreak of conjunctivitis at the club's training ground which could force Newcastle to apply to have Saturday's opening match postponed
Newcastle could see their first matches of the 2004-2005 Premiership season, starting with the opener at Middlesbrough on Saturday, severely compromised following a health scare at the club.
Premier League bosses are closely monitoring an outbreak of conjunctivitis at the club's training ground which could force Newcastle to apply to have Saturday's opening match postponed.
Five players - Shay Given, Lee Bowyer, Andy O'Brien, Tony Caig and Laurent Robert - are all sidelined, with the latter the latest to withdraw from training on Monday.
The situation has led to the club's training complex being closed down, with players forced to change in their cars, while fans have been banned from collecting autographs.
The Premier League are currently looking into the public health issue and it is understood if there is a high-risk factor then it is almost certain the match at the Riverside will be called off.
If it is deemed a low risk Sir Bobby Robson's side will be asked to play the game, or make a special application to the Premier League Board to have the game postponed.
A League spokesman said: "We are monitoring the situation and we are liaising with both clubs.
"We are also seeking expert medical advice, although we have no definitive view from them as yet, with regard to the public health connotations of the game, not just for the Newcastle players, but also the Middlesbrough players."
Newcastle officials are worried about losing further key members of their squad in the next few days, believing the virus is particularly contagious.
"We are very concerned our players are having to train together but this is something they will have to continue to do to prepare for Saturday's game," said a United spokesman.
"There is an eight-day incubation period and it is possible more of our players could have the virus without them knowing about it.
"Medical experts have told us in cases like this, 70 to 80% of the work-force are usually affected by the virus and this is worrying.
"Not only that, but we have been told a small percentage of people who get this do have long-term eye problems and this is also a concern."