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National
Nicole Goodwin

LNER asked to 'take action' to ensure Newcastle United fans get to Wembley

Rail bosses have been asked what action will be taken to ensure Newcastle United fans make it to Wembley Carabao Cup Final after train tickets sold out for the weekend of the big game.

Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah said she had been contacted by football fans who reported that it was "impossible" to book tickets to travel to London on February 26, when NUFC take on Manchester United in the cup final.

LNER confirmed that their services between Newcastle and London Kings Cross on 25 and 26 February are sold out. But Ms Onwurah has written to LNER Director, David Horne, to ask what action will be taken to meet the demand, adding that it was "disappointing" that there was not sufficient capacity to transport NUFC fans "quickly and safely".

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In a letter to Mr Horne on February 10, Ms Onwurah wrote: "As you know Newcastle United are in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley on 26 February. This is the first time Newcastle United have been in a cup final since 1999.

"There is great excitement in the city with tens of thousands of fans planning to travel to London. How disappointing it is, therefore that there is not sufficient capacity on LNER to transport NUFC fans quickly and safely.

"Fans have contacted me to say that with two weeks to go before the match, it is impossible to book a train from Newcastle to London on the day.

"I am keen to understand what action you are taking to meet this demand? You cannot help but appreciate the importance of 'being there' for so many NUFC fans. I do hope you are doing everything you can to facilitate that experience."

An LNER spokesperson said: "We recognise this is a hugely important occasion for Newcastle United fans and we will be operating as many services as possible and carrying many thousands of fans. We advise that customers only travel on a booked service with a seat reservation.

"Following unprecedented demand, our services between Newcastle and London Kings Cross on 25 and 26 February are sold out. We continue to work with industry partners to look at ways of supporting fans to attend The Carabao Cup Final."

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