Newcastle fans banned from drinking on trains for the Carabao Cup final, believe they're being 'targeted'

The Football Supporters' Association has labelled the decision to run dry trains from London to Newcastle after the Carabao Cup final as a move that 'targets' football fans.

Newcastle United will look to win their first piece of silverware in almost 70 years this weekend when they take on Manchester United in the final of the Carabao Cup at Wembley.

Having endured years of mediocrity and disappointment, Newcastle supporters are understandably excited and are expected to travel down to London in huge numbers.

However, whether or not the Magpies win their first trophy since 1955, the journey back north could look a bit different from what many fans expected.

That's because London North Eastern Railway has decided that services from London King's Cross to Newcastle after 7pm on Sunday will be dry trains, meaning no alcohol will be permitted on board.

The final kicks off at 4:30pm, meaning thousands of Newcastle fans will be using those services that same evening.

The FSA criticised the decision, tweeting: "We’ve long been opposed to dry trains that target football fans for just being football fans on a day out.

"This move from LNER for the League Cup final won’t achieve much and has completely misread the mood amongst #NUFC fans, which will be celebratory regardless."

Newcastle United fans are expected to travel in great numbers down to Wembley on Sunday

The rail company responded to the tweet with: "The decision has been taken in co-operation with the British Transport Police to prevent any unnecessary antisocial behaviour, fuelled by alcohol. We want fans to enjoy themselves, but not at the risk of injury to other customers or our colleagues."

Plenty of Newcastle fans have criticised the decision online, although some can understand where the train company is coming from.

Avanti West Coast, provider of the main London Euston to Manchester service, doesn't appear to have implemented a similar measure for Manchester United fans travelling back north after the match.