Why Newcastle United are going to Covent Garden not Trafalgar Square before Carabao Cup final
by Ross Gregory · ChronicleLiveNewcastle United supporters will be denied a repeat of some memorable Trafalgar Square scenes ahead of their Carabao Cup Final this weekend. Instead, they will be heading to Covent Garden.
Black and white supporters will not be able to congregate Trafalgar Square in London, as they did back in 2023 ahead of their Carabao Cup Final clash with Manchester United. The Magpies faithful have often frequented the landmark prior to their Wembley trips, ahead of FA Cup Finals in 1951 and 1955, as well as the 1976 League Cup Final.
However, the square will be closed on Saturday, March 15, the day before Newcastle's date with destiny, due to St Patrick's Day celebrations on Sunday, March 16th - the same day as the final.
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Carabao Cup final
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Newcastle face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on March 16 and fans can watch the game with Sky Sports' discounted TV bundle.
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Instead, it has been agreed with police officials and supporters groups that fans can congregate at Covent Garden instead. While there are a number of bars in the area, street drinking will also be allowed. However, the Metropolitan Police have warned that they will confiscate alcohol from people committing antisocial or disorderly behaviour under a Public Space Protection Order that they have put in place.
A statement by Newcastle United Supporters Trust said: "Police have confirmed that Newcastle United fans can meet in the Covent Garden area and street drinking will be allowed. Please keep the area tidy and look after each other. Everybody likes a drink, nobody likes a drunk."
Covent Garden has a lot of pubs and bars, and with tight streets it is hoped that it will create a great atmosphere before the game. South Shields fans descended on the area in 2017 ahead of their FA Vase final, albeit in smaller numbers. Shields sold 15,000 tickets for that game, while Newcastle's Wembley allocation is more than double that, while thousands more are expected to travel to the capital without a match ticket.
There are a number of good pubs in the area, including the Lamb and Flag, Cross Keys and the Wellington. Meanwhile, Chronicle Live has pulled together a guide of some of the best pubs in London for Newcastle United fans to frequent on Saturday and Sunday. These include The Green Man and The Dolphin.
Police statement about protection order
A Metropolitan police spokesperson said: “We want fans visiting London this weekend to have a great time. In the past years, fans from visiting teams have used Trafalgar Square as a gathering point on Saturdays ahead of a Sunday match. That won’t be possible this weekend as the square will be closed to prepare for an upcoming event. Fans are advised to make alternative arrangements and to do so in advance.
"While we know many fans will be planning to have a drink and enjoy themselves, it’s in everyone’s interest that it doesn’t cross the line from celebration into antisocial or disorderly behaviour. Officers will intervene swiftly if it does.
"Fan should be aware that Brent Council will be enforcing a no-street-drinking zone on Olympic Way and the surrounding area. It is in place for all events at Wembley Stadium. More information can be found online.
“A Public Space Protection Order is also in place in the Westminster area which covers much of the West End including Covent Garden. It gives police officers and council officials the ability to confiscate alcohol if individuals are being disorderly. More information can be found online.
“We will have officers deployed both in central London and around Wembley Stadium throughout the weekend to provide a reassuring presence and to respond to any incidents. Any fans with concerns shouldn’t hesitate to speak to them.”