MAGPIES FLY BY SEAT OF THEIR PANTS

UEFA warning after storm makes Newcastle late for long-awaited Euro return

AC MILAN v NEWCASTLE

TONIGHT, 5.45PM, LIVE ON TNT SPORTS 1

NEWCASTLE face a warning from UEFA after breaking Champions League rules by turning up late in Milan for their first Champions League game in 20 years. 

Eddie Howe’s squad were still flying over France when their official press conference was supposed to start at the San Siro. They were due to take off at 2.30pm from Newcastle Airport but after a weather delay caused by an electric storm in Milan, their Boeing 737 private jet took off at 4.45pm, 15 minutes from when Sandro Tonali and Howe were due to preview their big game.

Newcastle were given special permission by UEFA not to train at the San Siro on the evening before the clash with AC Milan, the usual practice of travelling teams. But they are bound by UEFA regulations to hold a press conference between noon and 8pm the day before.