Fake news spread over the international break that the Newcastle midfielder got lost in York Maze
Joe Willock of Newcastle United
Joe Willock of Newcastle United (Image: 2025 Newcastle United)
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Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has revealed he was forced to check in on midfielder Joe Willock after a fake tweet claiming he got lost in York Maze over the international break went viral.
A post on X from user 'Francis Chipp' claimed last week: "Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock, 26, had to be rescued from York Maze after a distress call to emergency services was made at around 5pm on Tuesday. He had been lost in the UK's largest maze for approximately six hours."
The tweet spread like wildfire on social media and was even relayed on BBC Radio One, who later had to clarify it wasn't true. York Maze were 'inundated' with messages about Willock 'getting lost' and had to confirm the incident was not true.
And the question was posed to Howe during his pre-match Brighton press briefing whether he had to check with Willock if it was true and the Newcastle boss admitted he did have a conversation with the 26-year-old and thankfully he has taken the situation in good jest.
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"I did discuss it with him, just to check whether it is true or not," Howe revealed to some laughter from the journalists in the Newcastle United media centre. "Probably like everyone else.
"This was in the early stages of it and thankfully it wasn't. Joe is fine, he is good and he has got the ability to laugh with it rather than being concerned by it."
Willock has struggled for game-time on the pitch this season and has been restricted to just three appearances across all competitions this term.
He is in contention to face Brighton on Saturday and should be in the matchday squad that makes the long journey south to the Amex Stadium.
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