FA deletes social media post after sparking Newcastle United outrage ahead of Fulham clash

The FA's official X account - formerly known as Twitter - has deleted a post after sparking an angry response from Newcastle United supporters.

The Magpies will be backed by 3,800 Geordies at Craven Cottage this evening as Eddie Howe's side look to advance into the fifth round of the FA Cup. However, the late kick-off time (7pm) means some fans are having to fork out hundreds of pounds to stay overnight in London with no trains available after the game.

And Newcastle fans were keen to remind the FA of that when they tweeted: "The definition of dedication. The @NUFC fans will be embarking on a 588-mile round trip. #EmiratesFACup fourth round clash with @FulhamFC".

As expected, it fuelled negative a response. Newcastle United Supporters' Club (NUSC) said: "So @itvfootball decide to put it at 7pm on ITV4 with no return public transport. Stop taking our supporters for granted."

The post was then deleted, to which NUSC said: "The post for those asking. Deleting is cheating."

NUSC previously released a statement about ITV's decision to move the game to a 7pm kick-off.

“Once again we are appalled at the lack of thought given to traveling supporters ahead of our FA Cup match at Craven Cottage,” it read.

“A 7pm kick-off leaves supporters with no option of catching a train home with the last train for Newcastle departing Kings Cross at 9pm, leaving thousands now looking for accommodation in London with only two weeks notice.

"The financial and logistical burden imposed on traveling fans by TV companies is shocking in an industry reaping huge profits. It is always the fans who pay the price. The loyalty of our supporters is once again being taken for granted in the knowledge that we will fill the away end regardless of the kick-off time.”

Howe recently sympathised with supporters. He said: "I have sympathy for them [the fans]. We're at the mercy of the TV companies and when they want to schedule games.

"I don't think enough consideration is given to supporters. To get back from London at that time is going to be extremely difficult and I have sympathy for our supporters."