Newcastle United sent message by takeover lawyer - 'one of the best things big clubs can do'

Newcastle were originally due to face Wimbledon at Plough Lane in third round of the Carabao Cup but the tie had to be postponed due to flooding that caused significant damage to the pitch.

Following discussions between the two clubs and the EFL, the fixture was switched to St James’ Park a week later with the Premier League side running out 1-0 winners courtesy of Fabian Schar’s first-half penalty.

Around 51,000 supporters were in attendance at St James’ Park with The Dons receiving 45% of the gate receipts on top of the £15,000 the Magpies donated to fundraiser to help with repair costs.

De Marco KC, who remains a popular figure among Newcastle fans for his role during the 2021 PIF takeover, only heard about gesture at the weekend before taking to social media to praise United.

“Was at a party Saturday night & got talking to a member of the women’s team @AFCWimbledon - she told me how @NUFC had generously donated money to them to repair the pitch, how much it meant to them, & how they thought few other clubs would do the same,” De Marco wrote on X.

“I had missed this in the news at the time - but well done Newcastle - these things might not make the biggest news but helping lower league clubs (as well as the community) is one of the best things big clubs can do.”

In addition to the Newcastle postponement, Wimbledon had to re-arrange League Two fixtures against Crewe Alexandra and Accrington Stanley.

Football returned to Plough Lane on Saturday, October 12, which Johnnie Jackson’s side marked with a 4-0 victory over Carlisle United.

“Newcastle were outstanding when we broke the news to them on Monday morning and quickly offered to reverse the fixture which was a fantastic gesture and offer,” Wimbledon managing director James Woodroof told NewcastleWorld.

“They've been first class ever since, making a significant donation to the club and hundreds of Newcastle supporters have thrown their arm around us.

“Newcastle to a person have been outstanding with us and I can't thank them enough. We have 1,500 fans here tonight and I think there's now a special bond between the clubs. I'm really hopeful that bond can continue for years to come.”