Fans are back …

… But much has changed. When the first lockdown came in March 2020 football continued but behind closed doors.

Atmosphere was generated by simulated crowd noises and large banners of support covering empty seats. It was eerie.

Yet, when fans returned, it was to a more politicised game, notably the “taking of the knee”.

There was some criticism of negative reaction – notably from Millwall fans – and concern whether the taking of the knee could continue.

Now football is played before full crowds and the old atmosphere is back.

The takeover of Newcastle by the Daudi Sovereign Wealth Fund was greeted with huge support from their long-suffering fans.

For them, anyone was an improvement on Mike Ashley.

Yet on their travels the derision is palpable.

Spurs fans were singing “You will get stoned in the morning” whilst – at Crystal Palace – a huge banner was unfurled detailing Saudi Arabian human rights breaches.

Amanda Staveley, the financier who brokered the deal, looked on stone-faced in her black and white scarf.