Newcastle’s council leader has paid tribute to the “incredible and inspiring” NUFC fans who took over London last weekend.
Nick Kemp hailed the travelling Toon Army that descended on the capital for the Carabao Cup final as the “real Northern powerhouse”. Speaking at Wednesday night’s full council meeting, the Labour leader also reserved praise for the “awesome” Wor Flags display at Wembley on Sunday.
Congratulating Newcastle United on reaching the final, where they were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United, Coun Kemp said: “This weekend we saw the real Northern powerhouse. This Northern powerhouse claimed and then cleaned Trafalgar Square.
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"As a team Newcastle were by far the better for most of the game, they turned up and battled every inch. The Wor Flags showing at Wembley was awesome - who could not have been moved by that?
“The display by the Geordie faithful across the capital was incredible and inspiring. The city council believes it is good for the city to have its football team playing on a national stage at Wembley Stadium and notes the success of the team under the management of Eddie Howe and wishes them continuing success for the remainder of the season in the Premier League.”
Sunday’s match was Newcastle’s first cup final this century, since the FA Cup final of 1999 – which also finished 2-0 to Manchester United. First half goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford ensured that the Magpies’ long wait to lift a major trophy again goes on.
Coun Veronica Dunn, the city’s deputy lord mayor and sheriff, said on Wednesday night: “Although the result was disappointing, the performance of the team and the fans was tremendous and I’m sure we are all looking forward to the rest of the season.”
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