THE EFL admitted a blunder in the Carabao Cup draw left Newcastle facing Manchester City.
The 27 teams who progressed to the third round on Tuesday night were given numbers in alphabetical order.
Yet SunSport understands a “human error” saw Norwich given number 19 ahead of Newcastle in 20th for Wednesday night’s draw, meaning the Magpies host Treble-winners City while the Championship Canaries travel to Fulham.
The EFL says there is no requirement for numbers to be allocated in alphabetical order, insisting the draw is valid.
A spokesperson said: “The numbers for the Round Three draw of the Carabao Cup were allocated and communicated in advance of the draw taking place on Wednesday evening and were drawn in-line with the usual strict protocols and conditions.
“The League accepts that the list published was not in alphabetical order, however, under Cup rules, the draw does not require for numbers to be allocated on that basis.
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“The EFL views the draw as completely valid with no impact to competition integrity.”
The sides that went through on Wednesday were not listed in alphabetical order, hence why Chelsea were number 28.
The EFL’s statement comes after Newcastle fans on social media spotted the blunder.
A Newcastle fan account tweeted: “If Newcastle were given their correct number in the draw (19) we would have drawn Fulham away.
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“As you can see, draw numbers are done in alphabetically, with the only mistake being Norwich and Newcastle in the wrong order.
“Hmm @CarabaoCup.”
Another added: “I don’t really mind playing City, but that is weird.”
A third said: “We should appeal the draw and let them do it again for all.”
But some fans were more stoic about the whole thing with one saying: “To be the best you have to beat the best.”
Newcastle enjoyed an excellent Carabao Cup campaign last season as they reached the final on the way to finishing fourth in the league.
To go one better this season they will have to get through a tough test against Manchester City at home.
The ties for the third round will be played on the week commencing September 25.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
