Elite sport continues in England as Boris Johnson announces new national lockdown rules – Newcastle United, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Hartlepool United to play on

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the UK will be placed under another national lockdown in an attempt to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Schools across the country will close but elite sport will continue with the top six divisions of English football set to play on despite significant postponements due to the virus.

In the North East, Newcastle United, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Hartlepool United will continue playing in the Premier League, Championship, League One and National League respectively.

The Northern Premier League and Northern League divisions will be put on hold once again with clubs such as South Shields and Morpeth Town facing yet another uncertain period without football.

The first national lockdown saw the Premier League and Championship continue behind closed doors while the third, fourth, fifth and sixth tiers were suspended and decided on a points per game basis.

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