Newcastle United Supporters Trust make football regulator request after ‘disgraceful’ FA Cup decision

Newcastle United supporters are raging after their trip to Fulham in the FA Cup was confirmed for a 7pm kick-off.

The Magpies had not been in the hat for the fourth round since 2020 but advanced this time around after a 3-0 win over bitter rivals Sunderland. A trip to the capital beckons as Newcastle drew Fulham, with the game taking place on January 27.

Their last trip to the capital ended in heartache - and a cup exit - as Chelsea beat United on penalties in the Carabao Cup. Newcastle take on another West London outfit as Eddie Howe’s men aim to end the club’s 69-year wait without a domestic trophy.

However, fans are furious after ITV announced the fourth round TV schedule. Newcastle will be broadcast on ITV1 for a 7pm kick-off time, meaning fans planning a 550-mile round trip from the North East will not return home until the early hours of the morning.

One supporter echoed the collective feeling among supporters once the announcement was made. His social media post read: “Need to start lodging complaints about these kick-off times. Are supporters expected to stay overnight in extortionate London hotels? (It is) difficult to get the train back at that time of night.”

Another went as far as to call the decision a “disgrace”, questioning why the broadcaster needed to televise the game given the alternatives. The Newcastle United Supporters Club also hit out, urging the incoming football regulator to take action.

“Once again we are appalled at the lack of thought given to travelling supporters ahead of our FA Cup match at Craven Cottage,” a statement read. “A 7pm kick-off leaves supporters with no option of catching a train home, with the last train for Newcastle departing King’s Cross at 9pm, leaving thousands now looking for accommodation in London with only two weeks’ notice.

“The financial and logistical burden imposed on travelling supporters by TV companies is shocking in an industry repaying 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. We urge the incoming football retail tour to ensure that significant changes are put in place to ensure fans are prioritised when it comes to TV scheduling of games.”