Newcastle United's Carabao Cup victory tour has sparked controversy among supporters following the club's announcement detailing their celebration plans.
After ending a 70-year drought for domestic silverware with a dramatic 2-1 triumph over Liverpool at the weekend - thanks to goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak - Geordie fans were left ecstatic with their first Wembley win since 1955, igniting immense celebrations in London and back on Tyneside.
The club initially announced an official city celebration scheduled for March 29, details of which are yet to be solidified, including talk of a significant gathering at the Town Moor. Suggestions had been made that instead of a conventional open-top bus parade, the trophy might be unveiled amidst a large assemblage.
However, the club took a different turn with their latest statement indicating the trophy will be showcased during Sunday's high-profile women's derby between Newcastle United and Sunderland. The upcoming derby scheduled at St James' Park for a 2pm kick-off has already seen about 30,000 tickets sold, potentially breaking records for a Women’s Championship match attendance.
A statement from Newcastle United on X declared: "To celebrate the @NUFCWomen record-breaking crowd at SJP on Sunday, the Carabao Cup trophy will be making its first public appearance at the derby. Lifted by club legend Bob Moncur and CEO Darren Eales."
Iconic captain Bob Moncur, who last hoisted a trophy for the club in 1969, is set to be given that honour alongside CEO Darren Eales.
The decision to display the trophy has sparked a backlash among some fans though, who accuse the club of using it as a ploy to sell tickets for the women's match.
One supporter, @Bazro10, expressed his disapproval: "Noooooooo! It shouldnt be used to sell tickets for this game, first outing should be the parade then Brentford game. While another, Kev Brown, added: "This is a quite frankly staggering decision that can only be driven by greed to sell more tickets for the game. This isn't a dig at the women's team, the men won, display it before the men play or when it was planned on the 29th."
Opinions have been divided, with some opposing the move and others defending it. One, @colinwashbourne wrote: "Absolutely awful decision, totally wrong. There would be absolute uproar (and rightly so) if the roles were reversed and a trophy won by the women was first paraded at a men's game without any of the women present."
Another, @bignmbr5, added: "I'm sorry but I think this is really poor from the club. The first time the Carabao is paraded should be by the team that won it - and lifted by Bruno and Eddie." One user, @JohnJoh53849444, concluded: "Can I just point out that the vast majority of fans are both women's and men's supporters. I have a ST for both so why the heck shouldn't I get to see it on Sunday, and on the 29th and on the 2nd."
This article originally appeared on Chronicle Live