Former Newcastle United defender Nikos Dabizas has said that relegation would be a "disaster" for the club this season.

The Magpies' top-flight status hangs in the balance as Rafael Benitez's side sit 19th in the Premier League table, three points adrift of safety with a game in hand.

"Oh it's massive that Newcastle stay in the Premier League – massive," the 42-year-old told The Chronicle. "It's going to be a huge setback if the club is relegated.

"For the city, for the club, for the fans, it will be a disaster and it will be a huge setback."

Newcastle were last relegated in 2009, but won promotion from the Championship the following season.