Mixed emotions as Newcastle United announce ballot results for Carabao Cup final v Man United

There were contrasting emotions among Newcastle United supporters after learning the outcome of the Carabao Cup final ballot.

The Magpies received an allocation of 32,761 tickets for Wembley, which were distributed via seven specific criteria ‘periods’. Supporters in periods one, two and three had until Thursday, February 9 to seal their seats before the remainder went into a ballot.

Thousands of fans in periods four to seven have faced a nervous wait throughout the day (Tuesday, February 14) with an automatic system allocating available tickets at random ahead of the 5pm shut-off point.

Naturally, that has left some over the moon, and many devastated at missing out on attending Newcastle’s first domestic final in 24 years. Successful applicants discovered their fate via email, while those who weren’t were met with silence.

“IM GAN TO GET ME SUIT MEASURED! YESSSSS!,” one delighted fan posted on Twitter. Another added: TELL ME MA ME MA, I WONT BE HOME FOR TEA!! Period 6 Mags going to Wembley!”.

But for all the buzz, there was a lot disappointment.

“Looking like I’ll be home for tea :( Congrats to everyone that’s got lucky,” said one fan. Another said: “Still not be home for tea but ticket dream looks over. No problem with the process but the communication from the club on the ballot needs to be clearer next time.

“Massive congratulations to anyone who’s got them! Main thing is drink it in and enjoy the day!”.

Eddie Howe’s side host Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday evening (kick-off 5:30pm) before the build-up for the final against Manchester United gets underway.

Coincidentally, the Magpies last Wembley final was versus the Red Devils, who won 2-0 after goals from Paul Scholes and Teddy Sheringham. Newcastle haven’t lifted a major trophy in 68 years.