Southampton are not happy with the Premier League over their postponed match against Newcastle.

talkSPORT understands the south coast club have voiced their grievances with top flight bosses over the decision to call off Sunday’s game at St Mary’s.

Newcastle announced the decision on Friday, with the Premier League board agreeing to call the match off due to the number of positive COVID-19 cases and injuries within the Magpies’ squad.

It’s the second top flight game postponed ahead of this weekend’s round of New Year fixtures, with Saturday’s clash between Leicester and Norwich also rescheduled.

It’s also the second straight game Newcastle have been forced to reschedule, with COVID also affecting their clash with Everton which was postponed on Thursday.

In a statement, Premier League chiefs confirmed the call was made as Newcastle were judged to be unable to fulfil the required number of 13 outfield players and one goalkeeper for the match to go ahead.

getty – contributor

However, it is understood that Southampton believe Eddie Howe’s side had enough available players to fulfil the fixture, despite being hit by positive COVID cases and injuries.

Ahead of the Christmas schedule, the Premier League released a statement that decisions would be made over postponements on a game-by-game basis, and instructed clubs to make use of their youth ranks to fulfil matches if needed.

However, it appears Southampton are contesting whether Newcastle’s need to call Sunday’s match off was genuine.

The Saints’ protests come as they were forced to play Manchester United last season despite having just nine first-team players fit.

They ultimately lost that match 9-0.

AFP

In a statement to confirm the Newcastle postponement, Southampton said on Friday: “The Premier League has today informed Southampton Football Club that its scheduled match against Newcastle United this Sunday has been postponed.

“The teams were due to face each other at St Mary’s, but a request from Newcastle to postpone the match due to COVID-19 cases and injuries was approved by the Premier League’s board.

“We share the disappointment of our supporters in hearing this news and will confirm details of the rearranged fixture in due course.”

The match would have been a crucial one for Newcastle, with Eddie Howe’s men going into 2022 needing a miracle to avoid the drop.

The Magpies are sitting precariously in 19th in the Premier League table having claimed just one win from 19 matches this season.

Although, they are just two points away from climbing out of the relegation zone in what is hotting up to be a closely fought relegation battle, with 16th place Leeds and Watford in 17th also in the mix.