Newcastle United fans have reacted angrily to being handed a tough away tie in the Carabao Cup by accusing former Sunderland striker of ‘looking at the balls’ before drawing them against Manchester United.
The Magpies advanced to the fourth round by beating Treble winners Manchester City 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe‘s side were handed a repeat of last year’s final against Man United in the draw, which followed the match at St James’ Park.
The draw was hosted by Sky Sports presenter Emma Saunders, with former Celtic manager Neil Lennon picking out the home sides and Goodman the away teams.
Goodman, who played for arch-rivals Sunderland between 1991 and 1994, was accused by some Newcastle supporters of looking for the No 16 ball to ensure the Magpies were drawn against Man United at Old Trafford.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side were handed an away tie against Man United in the fourth round
Former Sunderland striker Don Goodman assisted with the Carabao Cup draw on Wednesday
Some Newcastle fans alleged Don Goodman looked at the numbers before making the draw
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‘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,’ one fan wrote, alongside a video of the clip.
The video provoked a mixed response from fellow Newcastle supporters.
‘Anyone else notice Goodman looking at the numbers before picking out the away balls?’ one fan wrote.
‘Yep he barely took his eyes off the balls until he had 16 ! Needs looking into for me , don’t know what others think,’ another replied.
‘I saw this and was screaming at the tv,’ wrote a third, with another stating ‘Why did Sky change the format of the pickers from the draw. Corrupt’.
Several Newcastle fans dismissed the claims and highlighted why it was impossible for Goodman to know which ball was being selected.
‘How on earth could he see the numbers on the balls? His arm fills the hole on top of the bowl,’ one fan wrote.
‘Cos Don Goodman can see through the lid over the balls which I assume is there to stop rigging fixtures. Absolute belter,’ added a second.
Several Newcastle fans responded to highlight it was impossible for Goodman to see the ball
A third called on their fellow fan to remove the claim, writing ‘Delete this man. Making us look like Liverpool, begging the world to be against us. We’re better than this.’
The EFL declined to comment when approached by Mail Sport.
The Carabao Cup draw did see Man United achieve a record, after the Red Devils were drawn to play their 12 consecutive domestic cup tie at home.
Newcastle will head into the tie boosted by winning their last meeting with Man United, after beating Erik ten Hag’s side 2-0 at home in April.
The eight last-16 matches are due to be played in the week commencing October 30.
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