"F****** stupid" cup final idea angered Alan Shearer as Newcastle reject repeat

24 February 2023 , 06:00

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Newcastle are 90 minutes away from silverware

Newcastle United twice held open-top bus parades in the 1990s after losing FA Cup finals - but there will NOT be a repeat if they lose the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

The Magpies are looking to end a 54-year wait for a trophy when they take on Manchester United at Wembley this weekend. Eddie Howe's side, now backed by their Saudi wealth, have begun to challenge the established order this season as they chase the top four.

Alongside that they've enjoyed cup success, beating Southampton across a two-legged semi-final to make the final - which will be their first trip to the new Wembley. Their last appearance at the famous London stadium was back in 1999, before it was rebuilt, where they lost to Sir Alex Ferguson's United in the FA Cup final.

A year earlier Alan Shearer and co had also made the final, but came unstuck against Arsenal. On both occasions though, despite falling short, the players jumped on an open-top bus through the city to mark their final appearance. That didn't go down well with Shearer.

He said previously: "We did open-top bus parades after being beaten twice in the cup finals which make you think ... how f***ing stupid is this? It just shows how desperate the Newcastle fans are for success because there was hundreds of thousands of fans."

Newcastle United's Wembley appearance to be marked by a souvenir special

The Newcastle great also added: "But it just shows how desperate Newcastle fans are for success, because there were hundreds of thousands of fans from Gosforth Park to the Civic Centre. It was unbelievable. Absolutely outrageous. Then we had to say thanks at the Civic Centre. It was embarrassing."

Newcastle held bus parades after their final losses in 1998 and 1999 (PA)

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There will no repeat 24 years on however should the Magpies come up short. A victory however, which could prove crucial in their development, will see a parade through the city on Tuesday with the route still being planned.

Newcastle will be without goalkeeper Nick Pope, who has been a standout performer, for Sunday's final after he saw red in their loss to Liverpool last time out. In his absence either Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie will step-in.

Howe said on the blow: "I'm feeling disappointed for Nick. That was my whole emotion after the game and yesterday. It was someone who has given his all for the team. He's been outstanding this year so I felt for him but (I'm) also pleased for another goalkeeper to get an opportunity.

"I think we have to be very positive about our situation and the game. Yes, it's a blow to lose Nick but we still believe in the team and the group we have."

Samuel Meade