Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has slammed the Premier League's decision which forces the Magpies to play eight games during December.

"It's an absolute disgrace," he told the clubs official web site.

"We play four games in 15 days at the start of December and then they expect us to play four more in just 10 days at the back end of the month.

"By the time this month is over we will have played just three games in total, and then the same again in November.

"That's six games in two months and then eight in just one.

"During December there will be a massive 24 points at stake, which could make a massive difference to the outcome of the season.

"Why they have done this is beyond me, but all I know is that every one of our requests to the Premier League has been turned down."