Ray Parlour has criticized Newcastle United’s decision to face Tottenham Hotspur in their final pre-season friendly.

Coach Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle will fly to Australia to play a friendly against Tottenham after their final Premier League match against Brentford. The Magpies will step into the battle with the Bees while a journey of nearly 34,000 kilometers awaits them ahead.

They will face Spurs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which has a seating capacity of up to 100,000, in the middle of next week – just two weeks before the England national team meets Bosnia at St James’ Park. This match will serve as an important warm-up for the England team before their Euro 2024 campaign.

In addition to Euro, Newcastle also has players participating in the Copa America this summer, which makes the trip to Australia more carefully considered. Defender Kieran Trippier has voiced opposition to the club’s decision to play an additional friendly against Spurs, and former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour also agrees with that sentiment.

“It’s a nightmare for the players. I know the players are paid a lot of money and they have to do everything the club asks,” Parlour told talkSPORT.

“The players will be asking, ‘Why do we have to go to Australia?’ They will moan about it outside the club. After a long and challenging season, having to travel to Australia for a friendly match is not enjoyable.

“Don’t get me wrong, going to Australia is a great experience for the fans there, they are about to see the players and the club up close. The fans will fill the stadiums and it will be a fantastic atmosphere.

“However, at this stage towards the end of the season, when preparing for Euro participation, this is not an ideal option. It seems like the club is playing for financial gain rather than for the players’ welfare.”

The friendly match between Newcastle and Tottenham will take place on Wednesday, May 22nd, just 3 days after the final Premier League match concludes, and about 3 weeks before Euro 2024 officially kicks off.