The continuing unrest in the Middle East has persuaded Newcastle United to pull out of a pre-season friendly in Saudi Arabia. Bobby Robson was due to take his players to Jeddah for a game against a Saudi Arabia Select XI on July 19, followed by a week's training in Dubai.
Instead, United will hold a training camp in Holland as they prepare for their Champions League qualifier, playing low-key friendlies against local sides Cappelle and Telstar-Storm Vogels. United were also hoping to play a game in Beijing at the end of the current season as they continue to forge links with China, but logistical problems put that on hold until next year.
Filed by Johnny Proby
