The Professional Footballers’ Association is likely to get involved following Newcastle and Tottenham’s ludicrous decision to stage an end-of-season friendly in Australia.

The pair will meet in Melbourne on May 22, three days after the final round of Premier League matches, with both intending to take all of their international stars on a 21,000-mile round trip – even if they have summer commitments with their countries.

Gareth Southgate has already questioned the wisdom of the move and understands that the PFA, who have long-lobbied for a reduction in fixtures on the grounds of player welfare, will be in touch with members who are affected.

Some have also wondered how the gas-guzzling, globe-trotting trip sits with the Premier League’s new Environmental Sustainability Commitment, which was only announced last month and which ‘introduces a minimum standard of action on environmental issues across the clubs and the league’.

Man City’s under-23s rub trophies in Liverpool’s face

Eyebrows were raised at Liverpool’s training ground recently, when rivals Manchester City’s Under 23s turned up for their match in the first team’s bus – emblazoned with the five trophies the club won last season.

Some have wondered if the move was a cheeky attempt by City officials at re-emphasising their superiority last year amid a growing and not-altogether friendly rivalry between the Premier League heavyweights.

Man United bring in Populous to achieve 100k dream

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has mentioned 100,000 as a potential capacity for a new Old Trafford and it would appear Manchester United already have people on the case who can make that work.

Stadium designers Populous were brought in by the Glazers to look at plans to refurbish or rebuild the club’s iconic home and their subsequent proposals have been scrutinised by Ratcliffe’s INEOS people.

Last week, Populous – who drew up Tottenham’s new home – announced that they would be designing Morocco’s Grand Stade de Casablanca.

The project is expected to result in the largest stadium in world football, with a staggering capacity of 115,000.

The aim is for the mega-venue to host matches at the 2030 World Cup, as well as being the base for two local clubs.

Preparation for groundworks is underway in a 100-hectare site around 24 miles north of Casablanca itself.

England’s Euros hotel may mean media golf game

While previous England trips to major tournaments have seen players take on reporters at darts, there may be a new challenge in Germany.

The Three Lions’ own hotel boasts two 18 hole courses and a nine-holer, with five in the nearby area.

Harry Maguire, who revealed he had started taking his golf seriously and was playing off four, has suggested having a simulator fitted in the media centre.

Reporters would do well to beat Maguire and even better to see off Harry Kane – who goes off plus one.

Man United more progressive in letting Mainoo speak

It was good to see Kobbie Mainoo speak to the media ahead of his England debut and following his first international call-up.

Historically, Manchester United have been reluctant to allow their young starlets to face the press while on international duty but the club are being more progressive and believe the talented 18-year-old is mature beyond his years.

They had no issues with Mainoo being put before the pack, even if he has done relatively little so far with United themselves.

The situation contrasts with that of Jude Bellingham, who is yet to sit down with the written press despite making his England debut more than three years ago and picking up 28 caps.

There was a suggestion the brilliant Real Madrid midfielder would break his ‘duck’ ahead of the Brazil game but sadly the much sought-after chat failed to materialise.

IOC resist the pressure to sanction Israel, for now

The International Olympic Committee is coming under increasing pressure to sanction Israel for their actions in Gaza, in the same way they have banned Russia from participation in the Paris Olympic Games this summer.

The IOC is resisting for now, claiming that Russia broke their hallowed Olympic Truce when they invaded Ukraine.

However, the situation could change if the United Nations and governments join the lobby groups and start to lean on the IOC.

West Yorkshire Police prepare for 8pm Easter derby

West Yorkshire Police could well have their hands full when Leeds United entertain Yorkshire rivals Hull City on Easter Monday.

With plenty at stake at the top of the Championship, the Bank Holiday clash does not kick-off until 8pm, giving supporters the chance to booze all day.

It will also mark the first time that the two sides have faced each other in Leeds since Hull were taken over by Turkish owners.

The prospect of Turkey flags in the away end, and the likely reaction such a scenario would cause following Leeds’s history (two fans were stabbed and killed ahead of a UEFA Cup semi-final with Galatasaray in 2000), will no doubt form part of planning this week.