Newcastle freeze season ticket prices to 'avoid losing generations of supporters'

The Magpies' decision comes at a time of heightened awareness over the issue of pricing following a walkout by Liverpool fans last weekend.

Newcastle say there is a risk "generations of supporters" could be lost if the cost of attending matches rises too high.

An estimated 10,000 supporters left Anfield after 77 minutes of Saturday's draw with Sunderland in protest at Liverpool's new pricing structure for 2016-17, which included a £77 match ticket and a top-priced season ticket of £1,029.

Liverpool fans voted with their feet in the knowledge that the income of top-flight clubs will increase dramatically next season as a result of the Premier League's new £5.14billion TV deal.

But there will be no season-ticket price rises at St James' Park with those for under-18s even reduced by as much as 54%. Season tickets for juniors will start at £57 and some individual match tickets for children will be just £3.

The full pricing scheme will be confirmed in the coming weeks but season ticket renewal letters are currently being processed.

Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley said: "While the debate around Premier League ticket prices continues, we want to ensure watching football at St James' Park remains affordable for as many people as possible.

"There is a clear risk that clubs could lose generations of supporters with the cost being a major factor and we have considered that when setting prices for 2016-17.

"We want to encourage more families to attend and ensure that the price of a ticket does not become a barrier for our youngest supporters."

The club have also announced they will continue to seek reciprocal deals with other clubs to keep the prices of tickets for away fans affordable.