'They are real football fans': Barcelona star was blown away by Newcastle United fans at St James' Park last night
On the pitch, it may not have been Newcastle United's night as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League.
The Spanish giants, with their world-class lineup, had just a bit too much for the plucky Magpies on the night, but while the Blaugrana had the quality on the field, it was the Newcastle fans who showed what a world-class fanbase looks like.
Wor Flags pulled off another blinder of a display with all four corners of the ground waving with flags, while a huge AC/DC-inspired tifo rose from the East stand to greet the players as they came out of the tunnel.
The atmosphere it whipped up continued into the game and was matched by Newcastle's rapid start to the match.
Frenkie De Jong was loving the passion of the Newcastle support
Speaking after the game to Dutch outlet Ziggo Sport (h/t The Shields Gazette). Barcelona's Frenkie De Jong spoke about how impressed he was with the Toon army.
“I heard a lot from the players in the Dutch team who play in the English Premier League about the atmosphere in this stadium. It was fantastic when we entered the pitch, truly wonderful.
“They are real football fans, engaging with the moments of the game.
“We knew in advance that it would be a beautiful match, because [Newcastle] love high pressing and we, of course, always want to play and attack, and they don't bunch up either.”
The St James' Park atmosphere is something to be proud of
The reputation of Newcastle supporters is not a myth, and every player who ends up playing there soon learns why St James' Park always ranks so highly in the best atmosphere polls.
The Toon Army knows how to kick it up a notch when needed, and at one point last night, TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist couldn't help but laugh when 50,000 people yelled "Man on" at Bruno Guimaraes, causing him to release the ball to Joelinton.
It makes you super proud to be a Magpie seeing the Wor Flags displays and hearing the noise created by 50,000 fans all pulling towards a common goal.
