EFL confirm Carabao Cup draw error - Newcastle United, Man City, Norwich City & Fulham impacted

Newcastle United host Manchester City in the third round of the Carabao Cup - and eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice an error during the draw.

Ball numbers are allocated in alphabetical order with the exception of ties that were yet to be concluded when the numbers were allocated. On that basis, the Magpies were incorrectly allocated ball number 20 instead of 19, which was allocated to Norwich City.

That would have seen Newcastle handed a more favourable tie on paper - a trip to fellow Premier League side Fulham, rather than face last season’s treble winners.

The EFL acknowledged the mistake but insisted the draw has zero impact on the competition’s integrity.

“The numbers for the Round Three draw of the Carabao Cup were allocated and communicated in advance of the draw taking place on Wednesday evening and were drawn in-line with the usual strict protocols and conditions, an EFL spokesperson said via Express Sport.

“The League accepts that the list published was not in alphabetical order, however, under Cup rules, the draw does not require for numbers to be allocated on that basis as is demonstrated by those teams who progressed on Wednesday night. As a result, the EFL views the draw as completely valid with no impact to competition integrity.”

Newcastle will host City at St James’ Park on the week commencing September 25. Eddie Howe’s side reached the Carabao Cup final last season but lost 2-0 to Manchester United at Wembley after goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.