Newcastle fans accuse former Sunderland player Don Goodman of 'fixing' Carabao Cup draw

Former Sunderland forward Don Goodman has been accused of having "a good look for number 16" during Wednesday night's Carabao Cup draw.

Eddie Howe's side recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester City on Tuesday night thanks to a close range strike from Alexander Isak.

Newcastle, who reached last season's Carabao Cup final at Wembley, struggled to get a foothold of the game early on but looked transformed after the break and secured their first win over City in 11 meetings.

After the full-time whistle, Sky Sports presenter Emma Saunders hosted the much-anticipated draw alongside former Celtic manager Neil Lennon and ex-Bradford, West Brom and Sunderland striker Don Goodman.

But some supporters have voiced their concerns over Goodman's ball-picking methods.

Twitter account GEORDIE MAG posted footage of the draw, saying: "What we have here ladies and gents is none other than ex Sunderland player Don Goodman having a good look for that number 16."

They also labelled his actions as "absolutely disgusting" but many have since defended Goodman, saying he couldn't have picked out Manchester United on purpose as the balls were blocked by a plastic cover.

What we have here ladies and gents is none other than ex Sunderland player Don Goodman having a good look for that number 16.

Absolutely disgusting. #NUFC #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/bzNGtYXfbd

— GEORDIE MAG (@GeordieMAG_) September 27, 2023

Here's how social media reacted to the accusations.

One fan said: "Don't be ridiculous. He looked away as he was still mixing them around. Sounds desperate," while another commented: "Yeah, he definitely saw through that wide green lid with the hole just wide enough for his arm and jacket..."

A third commented: "Are you meant to be looking at the balls @SkyFootball, @EFL. I'm pretty sure that draw needs to be redone in an actual fair way."

A fourth wrote: "The biggest clutch at straws I’ve ever seen he’s not even looking," and a fifth added: "People will do anything to find an agenda against us. Stop clutching. We are beating them anyway."

Interesting! 👀#NUFC https://t.co/uVAL5gp6u1

— TTR (@TheToonReview) September 27, 2023

Manchester United coasted through to the fourth round on Tuesday against a weakened Crystal Palace.

Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring for Erik ten Hag's side before Casemiro and Anthony Martial sealed a well-deserved win at Old Trafford.

Thoughts on the Carabao Cup draw? Can Newcastle overcome holders United in the next round? Let us know in the comments.

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