Newcastle fans raise 20,000 pounds for food bank in PPV protest

With Newcastle's game against Manchester United only available via PPV platforms, the “Charity Not PPV” campaign urged fans to donate.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford scores his goal during the Premier League match against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Newcastle United fans donated 20,000 pounds ($25,866) to a local food bank as part of a protest at the Premier League's pay-per-view (PPV) scheme.

BT Sport and Sky Sports had broadcast all Premier League games as part of their existing football packages -- a temporary measure due to the barring of spectators in grounds as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But under the new scheme those matches which had not already been selected for broadcast in October are available only for purchase via PPV platforms at 14.95 pounds per game.

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The broadcasting arrangement is planned for matches this month and will then be reviewed by the Premier League.

With Newcastle's game against Manchester United on Saturday only available via PPV platforms, the “Charity Not PPV” campaign urged fans to donate to the West End food bank instead.

“We so appreciate the generosity of the Newcastle fans,” the campaign's chief executive John McCorry was quoted as saying by the BBC.

“We have had donations from London, Spain and America, so it's not just locally that the interest has gathered. It really seems to have taken off.”

Newcastle were beaten 4-1 by United in the match.