Newcastle hit by ‘gypsy curse’ that is stopped them profitable something for 70 years
The team had a hex slapped on them in 1955 by a group of travellers who were booted off their training ground – until then they were one of the most successful teams in the country
Newcastle United could be victims of a gypsy curse which has stopped the club winning major trophies for 70 years.
A group of travellers slapped a hex on the team in 1955 after being booted off United’s training HQ. At the time the team had won three FA Cups in five years and was one of the most successful in the country.
When the travellers were swiftly and forcibly ejected from the land at Benwell in the city’s West End they vowed revenge. A gypsy curse was made condemning Newcastle to forever fail in their quest for silverware.
The club has not lifted a major trophy since – blowing several cup final appearances and a seemingly unassailable lead in the league. Its only success was in the obscure Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 – and that was abolished two years later.
Since then Newcastle has played in five cup finals and lost them all and is the only team in Premier League history to throw away a 12-point lead when it was pipped to the title by Manchester United in 1996.
Supporters claim the final words of the club’s legendary Scottish striker Hughie Gallacher before he took his life were: “Newcastle United, you’re doomed. Abandon hope all ye who enter.’’
Dutch legend Ruud Gullit, who managed United in the ‘90s, once said: “There must be some sort of curse on this club. Everything is slipping out of my hands.
“Red cards, injuries, illness, suspensions. It’s all making it very difficult.’’
It was claimed he recruited a witch doctor to try to lift the curse – but if he did it has not worked. Former manager Kevin Keegan openly talked about `a jinx’ preventing Newcastle being successful.
Their stars hope to bury the hoodoo when they play Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final next weekend.
But before a ball has been kicked at Wembley fans fear it has struck again with the club reeling from injuries and suspensions to key players ahead of the game. Last weekend England international Anthony Gordon was sent off for violent conduct and his three-game ban means he will miss the final.
On Tuesday it was revealed fellow England international Lewis Hall needs a foot operation that will rule him out for the rest of the season. The next day it was announced centre-back Sven Botman needs knee surgery.
Star striker Alexander Isak is battling a groin strain.
While many fans are convinced it is the Geordie jinx striking again Michael Martin, of the True Faith fanzine, reckons the club is haunted by a more psychological evil eye.
“I don’t think it is bad luck, it’s just us being a bit s***,’’ he said.
“There is a loser mentality at Newcastle United and it needs to change. We don’t want them to be canny lads who turn up at Wembley and lose.
“We want them to be cold-hearted, ruthless winners. That is what Newcastle have lacked in cup finals – not luck.’’
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