Newcastle fans are livid as the team ended their controversial end of season tour in Australia.
Just days after the conclusion of the Premier League season, the Magpies jetted off down under to play league rivals Tottenham in a friendly which caused a major stir on social media.
Eddie Howe’s men edged out Ange Postecoglou’s side on penalties after a 1-1 draw and the fixture was called into question again when England defender Kieran Trippier suffered an injury scare just weeks before the European Championship in Germany.
Newcastle remained in Melbourne to face an Australian All Stars side but suffered a humiliating 8-0 defeat, one of their worst defeats in the club's history, as they conclude their post-season tour.
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Howe named a weakened side to face their Australian opponents with Trippier the only recognised first-team star in the squad.
While Newcastle have a number of first teamers out injured, fans were left questioning why fringe players such as Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie were not involved.
Australian fans slammed the decision claiming to have wasted their money to come and watch an U21 side compete.
Here is how they reacted on social media:
One fan said: “Would be understandable if fans in attendance are disappointed mind, given they've paid for their tickets and there's not a single first team player in the runout XI.”
Another said: “Shame for the Oz fans who have paid a fortune but I can see why the club have done it. Would have been better if we’d had less injuries still as could have taken loads of first team squad to split over the games. Although why are Dummett. Wilson and Ritchie not playing?”
A third added: “What’s the point in going to Australia to put an u21s side out.”
A fourth said: “I have to admit, whilst I understand the desire/need to give the younger squad a game, it'd have been nice for the fans (who have paid hundreds of dollars for tickets) to see some game time from the first team.”
The All Stars had never won against any European opposition when competing in this one-off fixture prior to the thrashing of Newcastle.
They suffered defeat against Manchester United in the augural edition back in 2013 before losing against Juventus and Barcelona.
Topics: Premier League, Eddie Howe, Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, Matt Ritchie
Marcus Banks