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      Cheeky Newcastle fans taunt Mikel Arteta with five-word chant… and club join in with trolling social post

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      NEWCASTLE fans brutally mocked Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final at St James’ Park.And the club joined in the trolling with a cheeky social post.Mikel Arteta was brutally mocked by Newcastle fansCredit: ReutersThe Magpies cruised to a 2-0 victory in the second-leg, taking the score up to 4-0 on aggregate.Arsenal had 34 shots across both games and failed to convert any of them.After the first leg, Arteta appeared to blame the Carabao Cup BALL for the amount of missed chances.He said: “We also kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it’s tricky that these balls fly a lot so there’s details that we can do better.Read More on Arsenal”But at the end that’s gone, there’s no way back it’s about the next game and that’s our world, the reality is our world.”It’s just different. Very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different.”When you touch it the grip is very different as well so you adapt to that.”With the Gunners once again struggling to convert anything at St James’ Park, Newcastle fans took the opportunity to mock Arteta for his comments.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over.During the second half, they started to chant: “It must be the ball, it must be the ball, Mikel Arteta, it must be the ball.”Newcastle’s X account also jumped on the bandwagon with a post of the Carabao Cup matchball and a caption that read: “The culprit…”Arsenal vs NewcastleJacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon both scored to secure the win for the Magpies.They will now face either Tottenham or Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final next month.Newcastle also got involved in the mockingCredit: x / @nufcUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Arsenal ratings: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak for weeks as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show up

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      ARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.William Saliba will be having nightmares about Alexander Isak after a shocking displayCredit: ReutersNewcastle were flying throughout as they booked their spot in the League Cup finalCredit: GettyBut Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Mikel Arteta’s side continued to suffer at St James’ Park before William Saliba gave the ball away for Gordon to shoot at an empty net, only for him to fire just wide.On a night of wet power after a stunning 5-1 win against Manchester City last Sunday, here’s how Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDavid Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWilliam Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up strikerThe usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper. Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Martin Odegaard missed a vital chance that could have changed the gameCredit: GettyThomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Kai Havertz produced zilch after he was outthought and outbattledCredit: APLeandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs used Ethan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.READ MORE SUN STORIESRiccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Newcastle 2 Arsenal 0 (agg: 4-0): Toon tear shambolic Gunners to shreds to move step closer to first trophy in 70 years

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      THERE were plenty of old-aged pensioners among this raucous St James’ Park crowd who have never seen Newcastle United win a major domestic trophy.But on March 16, Eddie Howe’s men have a chance to secure the kind of glory the Geordies have been waiting 70 years to experience.Newcastle booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 win over ArsenalCredit: GettyThe 4-0 aggregate victory means Toon are near to ending their 70-year trophy droughtCredit: EPAArsenal arrived on Tyneside with the strut of a team who had just trounced the Premier League champions – but they were blown away by the energy levels of Newcastle’s players and the decibel levels of their supporters.Next month, the Toon will face either Tottenham or Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final – the club’s sixth Wembley showpiece since Jackie Milburn & Co won the FA Cup way back in 1955.Goals from Jacob Murphy and the electric Anthony Gordon ensured there would be no miracle comeback from Mikel Arteta’s side, who trailed 2-0 from the first leg a month ago.No English club of Newcastle’s size has waited so long to win silverware – especially as Uefa now say that their 1969 Fairs Cup win doesn’t count as a major trophy in their record books.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while the club’s Geordie Arabia revolution has been stifled by Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, a trophy would mean the world to the Toon Army.Newcastle reached the League Cup Final two seasons ago but they froze on their big day out and were beaten 2-0 by Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.Seven of last night’s starting line-up featured in that 2023 final and they will return determined not to suffer stage fright again.For Mikel Arteta, it was a miserable night which leaves the Gunners facing an uphill battle to avoid a fifth successive season without a trophy.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Gunners boss was mocked with chants of ‘Mikel Arteta, it must be the ball’ after his rather fanciful excuse for the 2-0 home defeat in last month’s first leg.Arsenal failed to carry forward any momentum from Sunday’s 5-1 sploshing of Manchester City.Newcastle stars Sandro Tonali and Sven Botman filmed using mobile phones behind wheels of supercarsPerhaps they expended too much energy in rubbing Erling Haaland’s nose in the Emirates dirt because this was a very flat performance – save for Martin Odegaard hitting the post after an early effort from Newcastle’s Alexander Isak had been disallowed. While Arteta stuck with Sunday’s victorious line-up, Howe switched to a back five – not that his side were ever content to sit back and protect the 2-0 first-leg lead they had secured back in the mists of time.Since then, Newcastle had suffered back-to-back home defeats, giving Arsenal renewed hope of becoming the first team ever to overturn a two-goal deficit away from home in a League Cup semi-final.The Arsenal mood music had improved considerably during the month-long wait for this return leg and they arrived on a four-game winning streak in all competitions.Alexander Isak gave Newcastle an immediate leadCredit: APHe was judged to be narrowly offside by VARBut none of that optimism from the visitors lasted long.It was one of those nights at St James’ Park when the flags were out, the locals were giddy and the amplifier was cranked up to 11.And within four minutes, the Toon thought they had increased their aggregate lead.Gordon picked a delicious through-ball to send Isak pelting through on goal and the Swede lashed his effort into the far corner of David Raya’s net.Jacob Murphy gave Newcastle the lead in the 19th minuteCredit: GettyThe goal sent the home fans into major celebrationsCredit: GettyBut then the dreaded, and lengthy, VAR delay which found that Isak had been narrowly offside.In these semi-finals, they are trialling a system whereby the referees announce any VAR overturns through a microphone to the crowd.And from what I could gather, Simon Hooper told the 52,000 punters: “Bwh dada hagy terg dikit number 14, badadadag.”Joelinton had missed out with a knee injury but despite a Newcastle shape that looked defensive on paper, Howe’s side were not backwards in coming forwards.Anthony Gordon doubled Toon’s lead on the nightCredit: EPAHe waved a scarf as St James’ Park went madCredit: GettyStill, Arsenal settled, knitted together a couple of decent passing moves and Martin Odegaard drilled a shot against the post when he ought to have scored.Yet almost immediately, Newcastle broke.Isak played a one-two with Gordon, descended on goal again and hammered the top of the far post before Murphy lapped up the rebound to spark rapture across the Geordie nation.The place was rocking now and you could tell the hosts were confident when Bruno Guimaraes started performing keepy-uppies on the edge of the Arsenal box.Martin Odegaard missed a sitter than could have changed the course of the gameCredit: PAGabriel Martinelli went off with an injuryCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury and was replaced by the boy wonder Ethan Nwaneri.But there was precious little sign of an Arsenal comeback and as their frustrations grew, Kai Havertz was cautioned for a shove on Kieran Trippier, then Wiliam Saliba joined him in the book for dragging back Gordon. Flash Gordon then toasted Declan Rice, who appeared to pull a muscle as he fell, before he fired narrowly wide.Straight after the restart, Saliba was robbed by Gordon who narrowly failed to score from range with Raya stranded.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut soon, it was all done and dusted, with Rice – apparently still troubled by his first-half injury – mugged by a high-pressing Fabian Schar, allowing Gordon an easy finish. And so the Geordie hordes will descend on Wembley, determined to end seven decades of hurt.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. 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      Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Toon into Carabao Cup final after superb win as Arsenal CRASH OUT after Odegaard miss

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED are into the final of the Carabao Cup after a 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal!The Toon beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates last week but had their heart in their mouths when Martin Odegaard hit the post with an early chance.Almost immediately, Newcastle went down the other end and scored – Jacob Murphy firing in after Alexander Isak’s shot cannoned off the post, before Newcastle sealed the game after a horror David Raya pass, with Declan Rice having his pocket picked and Anthony Gordon firing home.It went from bad to worse for Mikel Arteta as Gabriel Martinelli limped off injured in the first half.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from St James’ ParkAnd it’s the end of the road in the League Cup for Arsenal.But Newcastle go marching on – and soon they will be doing so down Wembley Way as they edge closer to a first trophy since 1969.Will it be Tottenham or Liverpool that they face in the final? Join us at the same time tomorrow to find out.Goodnight.Copy linkCopiedHowe hopes for improved Wembley showingEddie Howe had led Newcastle to Wembley for the second time in three years – and this time he’s determined to go one step further.The Magpies were brushed aside by Manchester in the 2023 League Cup final, but Howe believes his side are stronger for the experience.And coupled with their time in the Champions League, the Newcastle boss feels that his squad can now manage the big occasions.We have come a long way since [the 2023 final v Manchester United]. The Champions League does that to you, it is so testing and unique. Naturally for the big games a lot of the players have been there before, and we are used to the quick turnarounds and work smarter. There is a good feeling about the squad. We are tight on numbers but big on energy. I would love to think we can go to Wembley and perform better than we did previously.Eddie HoweBBC Radio 5Copy linkCopiedArteta rues missed opportunityArsenal boss Mikel Arteta blamed his side’s inability to take advantage of momentum as the reason they were unable to overturn a first leg deficit.The Gunners grew strong in the first half with the game at 0-0, but secods after Martin Odegaard had hit the post, Newcastle struck to increase their aggregate lead.Arteta admitted that the result and semi-final exit had left them hurting, but they will pick themselves up again for the challenges ahead.We had momentum in the first half and didn’t capitalise. They scored immediately after and the momentum shifts. We needed a goal early in the second half and we didn’t get that and the opportunity passes. They have been more efficient than us in the boxes and that is the difference in the tie. Today is painful and tomorrow a different day.Mikel ArtetaSky SportsCopy linkCopiedWhat next for Arsenal?Out of both domestic cups and facing a mini injury crisis, Arsenal’s season could be on the brink of collapse.But the optimists among the Emirates faithful will surely see a clear run at the Premier League as an opportunity to close the gap on Liverpool.The Gunners only have league fixtures to contend with before European football returns next month while the leaders are fighting on multiple fronts.Copy linkCopiedMikel Arteta, it must be the ball!Mikel Arteta suggested that the official Carabao Cup football was to blame for his side missing so many chances in the first leg of this semi-final tie.Well, tonight, the Newcastle fans and the club’s social media admin hit back.Credit: @NUFC on XCopy linkCopiedIsak impresses on memorable nightAlexander Isak may not have scored this evening, but he put in a tremendous performance that ran Gabriel and William Saliba ragged.The Newcastle strikes dragged the two Arsenal defenders all over the pitch with his strength, speed and movement, highlighted by his second leg heat map.Copy linkCopiedCaptain Bruno dreaming of trophyBruno Guimaraes admits he is dreaming of being the captain to finally end Newcastle’s trophy drought and collect some silverware.The Brazilian put in another tremendous display in the middle of the park, and then paid tribute to his teammates and supporters for their efforts.And if the Magpies can replicate that performance at Wembley next month then Guimaraes sees no reason why the club won’t be celebrating a historic triumph.It was an unbelievable performance from everyone and we must thank the fans as well. We go to another final for the club and hopeful we can win this one. If we play like that then we can dream big. It would be amazing to get a trophy, it is my dream to do this and especially in my first season as captain.Bruno GuimaraesSky SportsCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from St James’ ParkFor the second time in three years, Arsenal failed to score in both legs of a two-legged League Cup semi-final.Copy linkCopiedGordon: It’s important to stay humbleIt’s the phrase on everybody’s lips right now.Speaking straight after the final whistle at St James’ Park, Newcastle goalscorer Anthony Gordon urged his teammates to ‘stay humble’ in their pursuit of a first trophy since 1969.It’s important for us to stay humble now. We went on a really good run and then we had two results that we didn’t see coming and we didn’t need in our season. This was a good game to put us back on track, but I think we need to keep our heads down and focus on what’s in front of us.Anthony GordonSky SportsCopy linkCopiedFull time – Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)The flags are flying high again and Newcastle are heading back to the home of football.A semi-final tie as emphatic as they come, Newcastle built on their 2-0 smash and grab from the first leg to boss the second.Four goals without reply against one of the best in the Premier League has the Toon Army one step closer to their first trophy since 1969.But there’s still a job to do – and that will come against either Liverpool or Tottenham at Wembley on March 16th.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)90+3. One final Arsenal corner is confidently claimed by Martin Dubravka.Newcastle are on their way to Wembley…Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)90. Four minutes stoppage time.Four minutes for Newcastle players and fans to savour.Four minutes before the Arsenal contingent are put out of their misery.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)88. Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole!Five passes is probably Newcastle’s best spell of possession tonight too, but who needs the ball when you’re electric on the counter?Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)86. Declan Rice lunges horribly at Bruno Guimaraes.In other circumstances, you’d worry that the midfielder on the receiving end would stay down – but tonight, Guimaraes leaps to his feet and begins geeing up the crowd.Safe to says it’s party night in Newcastle this evening.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)84. “We’re firmly into ‘ole’ territory…” exclaims commentator Seb Hutchinson as Guimaraes sends a no-look pass around the corner for Isak.When you haven’t won a trophy since 1969, fans are going to enjoy every moment of nights like these.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)82. There are some half-hearted cries for an Arsenal penalty as Havertz goes down, but Schar was just too strong for him.Clutching at straws.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)80. Jacob Murphy takes the applause of St James’ Park as he is subbed off.The opening goalscorer tonight takes his leave and is replaced by a former Arsenal man in Joe Willock.Also off is Sven Botman, replaced by Emil Krafth.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)78. Declan Rice curls an Arsenal corner over and out of play.That sums up the Gunners over these two semi-finals. Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)76. A sparkling run from Gordon takes him beyond four Arsenal players in midfield.Unfortunately for the winger, the fifth he faces is William Saliba. For the first time tonight, the Frenchman comes out on top.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)74. Martin Dubravka goes down for a spot of treatment. Or should I say “treatment”?There’s really no need to time waste, mind. There could be another three legs to this tie and Arsenal wouldn’t fight back.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)72. St James’ Park is in full voice.They didn’t do themselves justice when they made the League Cup final against Manchester United two years ago. You feel it may be different this time around.It will be either Liverpool or Tottenham that they face at Wembley.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)70. What incredibly work rate from Gordon, who like Trippier on the other flank, keeps pace with his opponent – in this case, Nwaneri – all the way back to the byline.And the Newcastle man goes one better, even winning a goalkick with a last-ditch touch on to the Arsenal midfielder.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)67. Newcastle have only conceded once from a corner this season, and it shows as they confidently deal with the latest Arsenal set-piece.You know things aren’t running smoothly for the Gunners when even their dead ball routines are coming up short.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)65. Sterling and Lewis-Skelly combine neatly on the left, but the wise old head of Trippier isn’t having it.He tracks the young left-back all the way to the byline and then blocks behind for a corner.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)63. It’s fair to say the intensity has dropped out of this one.Both teams know the tie is done, and the final half hour or so will be a formality.Copy linkCopied More

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      Cheick Tiote’s son is Newcastle mascot vs Arsenal in classy gesture exactly 14 years after tragic ace scored in 4-4 epic

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      CHEICK TIOTE’S son was Newcastle’s mascot against Arsenal tonight – 14 year to the day his late dad scored a dramatic late equaliser against the Gunners.Tiote was just 30 years old when he tragically passed away from cardiac arrest in June 2017.Cheick Tiote’s son Rafael was Newcastle’s mascot against ArsenalCredit: GettyIt has been 14 years to the day since the late Tiote netted a dramatic equaliser against ArsenalCredit: AFP – GettyThe Ivory Coast midfielder fell ill when training with Chinese side Beijing SU.And his death sent shockwaves around the world of football.Newcastle were left particularly devastated, with Tiote passing away just six months after leaving St James’ Park.He played 156 times for Toon from 2010 to 2017, becoming a major fan favourite in the process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final win against Arsenal, Newcastle paid tribute to Tiote by making son Rafael their official match mascot.The 11-year-old, who visited the club as a guest in 2021, proudly posed in his black and white stripes at St James’ Park before kick-off.And Rafael’s time in the limelight came exactly 14 years after dad Cheick netted a dramatic late equaliser in Newcastle’s 4-4 draw with Arsenal.The league match, which took place in 2011, saw the Gunners race into a 4-0 lead in the north east.Most read in FootballBut a red card for Abou Diaby saw Newcastle battle back for 4-3.Tiote then became a club hero with a brilliant long-range strike in the 86th minute to seal a point for the hosts.Newcastle stars Sandro Tonali and Sven Botman filmed using mobile phones behind wheels of supercarsNewcastle icon Tiote tragically passed away aged 30 in 2017Credit: GettyFans reacted with delight to Rafael’s presence at St James’ ParkCredit: GettyAnd fans reacted with delight when they saw son Rafael wearing his dad’s shirt on Wednesday night.Newcastle first tweeted: “We are honoured to have Cheick Tiote’s son, Rafael, as one of our mascots for tonight’s game.”Once a Geordie, always a Geordie.”One fan replied saying: “That is class.”Another declared: “Cheers lads I’m in tears now.”One noted: “Football heritage.”Another added: “This is beautiful.” More

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      German Cup clash suspended by ultras as club post incredible picture and say ‘you can see why’

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      A GERMAN Cup quarter-final was halted after an incredible wall of smoke from ultras left the pitch INVISIBLE from the stands.Koln posted a photo of the extreme scene from their tie at Bayer Leverkusen and added: “The game has just been interrupted. You can see why.”This post from Koln’s media team made the situation clearLeverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba prepared for the tie in bizarre conditionsCredit: GettyThe situation was already murky when Leverkusen warmed upCredit: GettyThe match went on to end just as dramatically because Leverkusen fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 after extra time.But the bizarre problems at the start will remain just as bright – or dim – in the memory.Players warmed up in ominous conditions – with a blanket of smoke already descending across the pitch.And after just 13 minutes of action referee Frank Willenborg bowed to the inevitable by suspending play.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe smoke was so thick by then that many spectators could not even see the pitch.One fan said: “Everything is shrouded in thick fog” – which looked an understatement. And another observer blamed pyrotechnics from offending supporters as he blasted their “totally stupid” behaviour. A third supporter reckoned the game “should be cancelled” due to the offenders. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPlay eventually resumed – with Damion Downs then slotting the opener for Koln TEN MINUTES into the 11 minutes of first-half stoppage time.That left the visitors dreaming of a major upset.Angry Premier League flop says ‘I’ll probably get biggest fine in Bundesliga history’ as he swears in live TV interviewKoln are two points clear of Hamburg in the German second tier.But Leverkusen are behind only Bayern Munich in the top tier, having won the Bundesliga for the first time ever last season.So when Linton Main doubled Koln’s lead early in the second period a noticeable shock looked on.This time USA Under-23 striker Downs was the supplier following a swift counter-attack.But Patrik Schick halved Leverkusen’s deficit from an acute angle just past the hour mark.And Jeremie Frimpong teed up Schick six minutes into time added on to take the tie into an extra half-hour.READ MORE SUN STORIESVictor Boniface then fired Leverkusen’s winner. But even after that Koln frontman Imad Rondic hit a 110th-minute equaliser that VAR ruled out. More

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      Arsenal suffer huge injury blow as Martinelli limps off on 35 minutes vs Newcastle days after transfer window failure

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      ARSENAL have suffered another significant injury blow, with Gabriel Martinelli the latest casualty.The 23-year-old was forced off in the 37th minute of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.Gabriel Martinelli was forced off against NewcastleCredit: GettyMartinelli has joined Arsenal’s injury listCredit: GettyHe went to ground holding his hamstring before limping down the tunnel.Ethan Nwaneri – one of two attacking players on the bench – was on hand to replace him.But the latest blow adds to Mikel Arteta’s growing list of injury concerns.Star man Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury in December and was forced to undergo surgery.Read More in FootballThe England international is not expected to return until the spring.Striker Gabriel Jesus has also been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.The Brazilian fell awkwardly and was stretchered off during Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United last month.Should Martinelli also be assigned to the physio room with a significant issue, the Gunners will be limited to just four senior attacking players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe latest setback comes just two days after the conclusion of the transfer window.Arsenal failed to sign any players in January – much to the dismay of fans.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up strikerArteta himself was also “disappointed” that his superiors failed to seal a deal.He said: “We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring ­certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that and I think we will.”The Gunners made one attempt to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins last week but their offer was immediately rejected.As well as the loss of Martinelli, Arsenal had to deal with a 2-0 defeat and exit from the Carabao Cup. More

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      New VAR protocol seen just once before in England leaves fans divided as they claim Newcastle ‘robbed’ vs Arsenal

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      FANS were left divided by a new VAR protocol used for only the second time in England.During Newcastle’s League Cup semi-final win against Arsenal, Alexander Isak raced through on goal after just four minutes before slotting in to seemingly make it 1-0.Simon Hooper announced the decision that Alexander Isak was offside after scoring against ArsenalCredit: Sky SportsIsak scored after just four minutes but when the goal was ruled out the TVCredit: GettyHowever, the goal was chalked off by VAR following an offside check.Referee Simon Hooper then announced the decision over the stadium speakers, only the second time this has been seen after it was used during Tottenham’s League Cup first-leg with Liverpool last month.Despite the announcement, fans at home were originally not shown the offside lines being drawn to confirm the decision.Fans rushed to social media to give their say on the new protocol, with some furious at the goal being ruled out without complete clarity being provided.One fan said: “The referee mic’d up. This is what happens when you let yanks anywhere near our beautiful game.”A second said: “Love this new referee announcement. Well done.”A third said: “They didn’t even draw any lines just straight offside lol.”Another said: “Newcastle robbed.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe offside was shown to fans at home later onCredit: Sky Sports/EFLA fifth added: “That is a daylight robbery against Newcastle.”A sixth said: “This referee live mic in is too funny. Sounds like a little kid breathing in his mic on Fortnite haha.”Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolAnother said: “Ref looked absolutely petrified there, not sure they signed up for public speaking in front of 50k.”An eighth said: “Referee on the mic is a complete waste of time, why doesn’t the ref announce a VAR check immediately after the goal is scored if they doubt the validity of it. As it stands there is still a 2/3 min, and more, delay in the stadium where no one knows what’s going on, nothing’s changed.”The offside lines were later shown to fans back home, revealing how far Isak had strayed offside before the disallowed goal.In a statement on the decision, the EFL said: “Isak’s goal was initially awarded on-field. “VAR checked and determined that he was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”Isak was involved once again later on when Newcastle did make a breakthrough.The Swede raced through on goal behind William Saliba seconds after Martin Odegaard fired the ball against the post.His curling effort beat David Raya but hit the post before it cannoned back out to where Jacob Murphy was for him to tap into an open net, with his shot amazingly also glancing the post on the way in.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnthony Gordon capitalised on a Raya mistake to make it 2-0 which is how the game ended, meaning a 4-0 aggregate win for the Toon.Newcastle will meet Liverpool or Tottenham in the final.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More