Newcastle United's owners have expressed their immense pride of the club's fans, despite the Magpies defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup Final. Thousands upon thousands of black and white supporters descended on the capital for the first cup final in over two decades.
Trafalgar Square was a sea of black and white as supporters let the city know they'd arrived for the weekend. Supporters then helped tidy up once the party had died down ahead of the big day on Sunday.
It was Manchester United's day in the spotlight, but the Magpies hierarchy have thanked supporters for their conduct, and praised the tenacity of Eddie Howe and his side on the pitch, with focus shifting back to the Premier League.
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A club statement read: "We would like to express our gratitude to our supporters, players and staff for an incredible journey through to the Carabao Cup final. For our fans, your support for Eddie Howe and the players has been magnificent - not just at the weekend - but throughout each round of the competition and in the build-up to the final.
"Though the result did not go as we had all hoped for on Sunday, we are so proud of how you represented Newcastle United on such an important occasion in the club's history. To see London taken over by so many of our fans was very special.
"We were thrilled to see our fans in great spirits and representing the club and city impeccably. And the scenes at a packed Trafalgar Square will live long in the memory, and we would like to pay special tribute to those who helped to clean-up afterwards.
"This simple, selfless gesture is just one example of what makes our supporters the best in the world. The scenes around Wembley and inside the stadium on Sunday were beyond inspiring.
"The passionate support you gave the club throughout the day and the sea of black and white you created were remarkable. We could not have asked for any more from you.
"We also know that many of you could not be there on the day. We have seen so many messages, photos and videos of people coming together to support the team around the world, and they have been just as uplifting.
"Wherever you watched the match, know that we truly appreciate your support. On the pitch, the team gave everything to achieve the victory we all craved.
"With the support of Eddie and the backroom team, they showed tenacity, bravery and absolute commitment to the cause right until the end. While the result didn't go our way, the way everyone stuck together remains a source of immense pride.
"And we will always remember the incredible flag waving of all of our fans until the final moments of the match. That connection and sense of family is part of our identity, and we will need to call on it again as we go forward together into a crucial part of the season ahead.
"While our focus shifts back to the Premier League, our ambitions are strengthened by this experience and it will only make us even more determined as we move forward. Once again, thank you sincerely.
"We are United."
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