Newcastle fan devastated after his dog eats Carabao Cup final tickets

A heartbroken Newcastle fan jokingly put his golden retriever on Facebook marketplace for a fiver after it destroyed his Carabao Cup final tickets.

Alan Carling won't forget this weekend in a hurry. He was present for Newcastle's first home defeat of the season – a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool – as goalkeeper Nick Pope was ruled out of Sunday's final against Manchester United after handling outside of his area.

Then, on his arrival home from St James' Park, the Magpies fan opened the door to see his entry for this weekend's final at Wembley ripped into pieces after his mischievous dog, Rudy, got his gnashers around the tickets that were delivered while he was out.

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So, how would you react to such an unfortunate set of circumstances? To his credit, Alan took it on the chin.

He took to Facebook on Saturday to tell everyone the news. "This is my dog Rudy," he wrote. "Rudy is a little b*stard of a pup and thinks letters through the post are an invasion of his home.

"After coming back from watching Newcastle lose at home for the first time this season against Liverpool, conceding two goals and having the keeper sent off in the first half.

"Rudy thought he would give me a laugh by eating the Wembley tickets that were posted whilst I was out. Dog for sale, £5 o.n.o."

Image credit: Facebook

Here's how social media reacted to the events.

One commented on the post, saying: "I’ve twice lost cup final tickets in the last few years. He’ll be fine. Just needs to contact the club and pick up duplicates from Wembley ticket office before the game."

Another wrote: "Do the Brits know that in the rest of the world the mailBOX is already invented?"

A third said: "That photo in the bottom corner has me in stitches. Just imagine what he’s thinking."

A fourth added: "But mate he was thinking of you. He was only trying to save you the pain of watching Newcastle lose at Wembley."

Image credit: Facebook

Newcastle will try and win their first major trophy since 1969 with Loris Karius between the sticks after Nick Pope was suspended on Sunday.

Eddie Howe has backed the German to deliver against Erik ten Hag's in-form Manchester United side.

“He has the experience of the big games. I have no doubt or issue about his ability to do that," Howe said. "I have no doubt he and Mark are both in a great physical condition to play. They have all been part of our training.”