A dog has been put up for sale after leaving his owner barking mad by eating his tickets for Newcastle’s first cup final in 24 years.
Alan Carling returned home to find his pet, Rudy, had dished out the ruff justice after the tickets came through the letterbox. His letter chewing came at a particularly bad time, after Alan had come back from watching Newcastle surrender their unbeaten home record against Liverpool on Saturday night.
Eddie Howe’s side were beaten 2-0 at St James’ Park after early goals from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. Things then went from bad to worse for the Magpies, who had goalkeeper Nick Pope sent off for a deliberate handball outside his area, meaning he will miss the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday.
It is looking like Alan will also be missing the Wembley showpiece – Newcastle’s first cup final appearance since the 1999 FA Cup – due to the paw form of his canine companion.
"This is my dog Rudy. Rudy is a little b****** of a pup and thinks letters through the post are an invasion of his home,” Alan said.
"After coming back from watching Newcastle lose at home for the first time this season against Liverpool, conceding two goals and having the keeper sent off in the first half.
"Rudy thought he would give me a laugh by eating the Wembley tickets that were posted whilst I was out. Dog for sale, £5 o.n.o."
Alan received a mixed response to his variation on the classic ‘dog ate my homework’ excuse, with some sympathetic and some in stitches at his misfortune. Others suggested that Rudy might be a secret supporter of rivals Sunderland.
One reply read: "Your dog's a Mackem." Another wrote: "Not saying the dog is innocent or anything, but could the postman be a Mackem?"
"This is hilarious,” laughed one responder. Another added: "Nightmare but not dogs fault. Hope you get replacements."
Newcastle will be hoping for better luck at Wembley for the 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday. Howe’s side have beaten Southampton, Leicester, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Tranmere Rovers to reach the final against Manchester United.
Their form has tailed off recently, with the 2-0 defeat by Liverpool following two straight draws in the Premier League. With Pope suspended and Martin Dubravka cup-tied, Howe will have to call upon reserve goalkeepers Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie for the huge occasion.
United, meanwhile, are in stellar form, with their 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday seeing the continuation of Marcus Rashford ’s hot streak in front of goal. Erik ten Hag’s side will be bidding to win their first trophy since 2017 at Wembley.
