An explosion of sheer joy following a lifetime’s worth of disappointment? A not so subtle expression of soft Saudi Arabian power? A wonderful example of the synergy between a city and its football club? Or a Sunderland supporter’s worst nightmare? Saturday’s celebrations on Newcastle’s Town Moor staged to commemorate Eddie Howe’s team’s Carabao Cup triumph against Liverpool at Wembley two weeks ago was all those things and much, much, more. Related: Newcastle’s new stadium video gives added impetus to proposed move If the collection of the team’s first major domestic trophy since the 1955 FA Cup meant different things to different people it was also quite some statement. While around 200,000 fans crammed into a small area of the city centre to watch two open-top buses transport Howe and his players the short distance separating St James’ Park from the Town Moor, a further 150,000 gathered on an expanse of urban green space larger than New York’s Central Park.
Only those who had applied for free, electronic tickets were admitted and, having passed security, they stood from 1.30pm until approaching 8pm, watching a re-run of the final on big screens before being entertained by not only local bands but – inevitably – by Ant and Dec. A little earlier that ubiquitous pair were aboard the buses conducting interviews relayed on those big screens.
As a fan outside St James’ Park sat atop Sir Bobby Robson’s statue, and others balanced on the top of bus shelt.
