Newcastle United fans headed to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night dreaming of Wembley, but they left wondering if the club’s trophy drought will ever come to an end.
The Magpies were minutes away from reaching the Carabao Cup semi final, with Callum Wilson’s goal looking set to send Eddie Howe’s side through to the final four.
However, an error from Kieran Trippier in stoppage time allowed Chelsea to snatch an equaliser, and the Blues would go on to win the game on penalties.
In the blink of an eye, Newcastle were out. One minute they were pondering a two-legged semi final next year, the next they were facing up to the reality of a second cup exit in less than a week.
The Toon Army travelled to London in their thousands, and they roared ‘who’s that team we call United’ as they looked to carry the lads over the finish line. Sadly, it wasn’t to be.
And while it is no consolation prize, the Newcastle United fans who made the trip to Stamford Bridge have been praised by TalkSPORT pundits Jim White and Ally McCoist for their efforts.
White and McCoist hail Newcastle fans after Carabao Cup exit
Speaking on TalkSPORT on Wednesday morning (9:37am), White and McCoist have hailed the Newcastle United supporters who were in attendance for the Carabao Cup quarter final.
White: “I just thought, I have to say, on a cold night and so close to Christmas, that Newcastle support is nothing short of mind-boggling.”
McCoist: “It’s amazing isn’t it?”
White: “They’re amazing. And they go back up the road and they out.”
McCoist: “I think they are one of the reasons why the season won’t be allowed to fizzle out. They won’t allow it.”
Newcastle fans will do whatever it takes to watch Eddie Howe’s side
White and McCoist are blown away by Newcastle’s travelling support for a midweek cup game in London just days before Christmas, but it is nothing new for the Toon Army.
They travel far and wide, whatever the time and weather, doing whatever they can to support Newcastle United.
The players did them proud last night, producing an incredible defensive display that nearly got them through to the next round.
Sadly, it wasn’t to be, and Newcastle’s wait for a trophy will go on. Eddie Howe has had a real appetite for the Carabao Cup since taking over, and he was even more motivated to win it this season after what happened in February.
But he will not be able to do that, and will now turn his attention to the FA Cup. Newcastle take on Sunderland in the third round next month, where 6,000 Geordies will be making the short trip to Wearside.
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