Newcastle has received a UEFA warning for violating Champions League rules by arriving late in Milan for their first Champions League game in 20 years.
Eddie Howe’s team was still flying over France when their official news conference at the San Siro was meant to begin.
They were scheduled to depart from Newcastle Airport at 2.30pm, but due to a delay, their Boeing 737 private plane took off at 4.45pm, 15 minutes after Sandro Tonali and Howe were scheduled to preview their big game.
UEFA granted United special permission not to train at the San Siro on the evening before the match against AC Milan, as is customary for visiting clubs.
However, they are required by UEFA regulations to have a press conference between noon and 8 p.m. the day before the match. Newcastle missed the deadline on Monday night, as their jet arrived at 8 p.m.
Exceptions must be approved by UEFA, but no authorities communicated any alterations at the San Siro on Monday night, and the club provided no previous notice to the media.
According to UEFA sources, the Geordies could avoid a fine but receive a warning. It was hardly ideal preparation for the Toon players, who arrived at their hotel late in the evening for Tuesday’s 6.45 p.m. kickoff.
Due to heavy rain, some aircraft destined for Milan were delayed.
