Fans set for refund after Gateshead v Newcastle Legends game is scrapped

Football fans who had bought tickets for the legends match between Gateshead and Newcastle United are to get a refund after it was recently scrapped.

Former players including Rob Lee, Steve Howey, Ruel Fox, Peter Beardsley, Lee Bowyer, Brian Kilcline, Lee Clark, Steve Watson, Darren Peacock, John Beresford, Paul Robinson, Liam O’Brien, Oliver Bernard, James Curtis, Micky Cummins, Jamie Chandler, Rob Ramshaw, John Oster, James Marwood, Steve Bowey, Paul Thompson, Keith McNeil, Liam Hatch, Rob Jones and current Gateshead player JJ O’Donnell were set to play the much anticipated fixture on the 7th of April.

A spokesman at Gateshead said: “It is disappointing for all parties that the legends match has been cancelled as a lot of hard work and commitment had gone in to make the event a success.

‘however, the decision was made in everyone’s best interests. The Gateshead first team are doing brilliantly and we feel it’s important that everyone has their full focus on the play-off push.

“We have some crucial home matches on Saturday 6 and Tuesday 9 April at the International Stadium so another home match on the Sunday may have been a distraction, especially when our manager and one of our current players were set to take part.

“There was also a risk that the costs and effort required for the match to go ahead would not have justified the revenue generated from ticket sales.”

‘Apologies to everyone who had purchased tickets and was looking forward to the match. We are currently in the process of cancelling and refunding ticket orders made via the Universe platform. Anyone who purchased a ticket from the International Stadium in person, simply return your ticket and receipt to the stadium office for a full refund.”

Steve Wraith, who manages the Newcastle legends team, said: “We have taken the decision to postpone the legends match until a new owner takes over Gateshead.

“We have had various conversations and meetings with the club and feel it is in everybody’s best interests to take this action.

“Anyone who purchased a ticket for the game is advised to get a refund from the outlet they purchased it from.”