It's a busy time for Newcastle fans as the season reaches a critical point
A verdict has still not been reached on Manchester City's charges
A verdict has still not been reached on Manchester City's charges(Image: Getty Images)
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Newcastle United have been handed a bumper ticket allocation for their critical Carabao Cup semi-final second leg away to Man City.
Competition rules mean United were entitled to at least 10% of the capacity at the Etihad Stadium. And Newcastle - who are 2-0 down - will get 6,250 tickets as many Toon fans head down with hope in their hearts that the two-goal deficit can be overturned.
The Magpies head to Man City knowing they have won at the venue only once since the Citizens moved from Maine Road. Eddie Howe had previously said Newcastle can still turn things around and commented on the big task ahead last week.
Howe, speaking after the 2-0 defeat to Man City, said: "We are still alive. We are still in there fighting.
"It is very difficult to turn it around. But it is still possible and football can conjure up some magical moments.
"Last year, we were on the other side of this scoreline, we went to Arsenal and won 2-0. But we felt that game was still very much alive and it was all about the next goal in the tie.
"And I think that is going to be the case in this one. I think if we get the next goal, we are still very much in it."
Newcastle fans get travel advice ahead of trip to Paris this month
United supporters have been informed that there will be no fanzone or meeting point area ahead of the clash with Paris St-Germain. There will be 2,000 Newcastle fans heading over to the French capital next week.
The build-up to the game will differ to the clash in Marseille when fans were told to meet up first and then escorted on to trains to the Velodrome. After the 2-1 defeat, a hold-back that lasted more than two hours proved problematic for Toon fans and CEO David Hopkinson complained to UEFA after some fans were tear-gassed.
Chronicle Live reported last week that the club had held talks with French police about a smoother process after the game. But the club have now confirmed there will be a half hour hold back at PSG.
A statement read: "Newcastle United supporters will be held back for a minimum of 30 minutes following the conclusion of the game. Toilet and concession facilities will be available for supporters during this period. We encourage supporters to remain at their seat unless they are using the facilities in the stand. This will help the exit operation ran by the local authorities in Paris.
"After the holdback, Newcastle United fans will exit the stadium via the same route. The club have been advised by Paris Saint-Germain that 'Porte de Saint Cloud' Metro station will be open and operating until 1:00am."
United also warned: "Newcastle United fans are strongly advised to avoid the Auteuil suburb of Paris and should take note of this when travelling to the Parc des Princes on matchday.
"Street crime, including pickpocketing, can take place in Paris. Supporters must be vigilant, take sensible precautions and ensure they have valid travel insurance."
Newcastle learn referee for Sunday's encounter with Aston Villa
Australian referee Jarred Gillett will take charge of Sunday's game with Villa at St James' Park.
The experienced top-flight whistler has only reffed Newcastle once this season, when he booked Dan Burn and Joelinton in the 2-1 loss to Arsenal at St James' Park in the autumn.
He oversaw City more recently in the 0-0 draw at Sunderland, with the official making only one red card this season. That came when Tomas Soucek was dismissed for West Ham in their 3-0 loss to Tottenham
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