From the publisher:
Photo series by Orlando Gili documenting Newcastle United’s dedicated Toon Army during their historic 2-1 Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. The limited edition A5 zine, contains over 70 full colour photographs spread across 60 pages.
On Sunday, March 16 2025, Newcastle United ended a 70-year wait for domestic silverware by defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium. This historic victory not only quenched the thirst of the Toon Army but also marked the club’s first major trophy since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
The atmosphere in London was electric as thousands of Newcastle supporters flooded the capital, their black-and-white stripes painting the city in anticipation of the monumental clash. Photographer Orlando Gili turned his lens towards this fervent fanbase to document their journey through the day, from pre-match pints to the euphoric celebrations that lit up the streets post-victory.
Reflecting on his inspiration for the series, Gili said, “I’ve had a soft spot for Newcastle United having studied at the city’s university in the Noughties. It’s really hard to not fall in love with Tyneside and its people. The Geordies are full of spirit with good humour and cheer, they are straightforward, hard-working people.”
The day began with fans congregating in various London pubs, their spirits high with songs, anthems and chants belting out. As kick-off approached, the sea of supporters made their pilgrimage to Wembley, their collective energy palpable. Inside the stadium, the Toon Army’s notoriously passionate support created a wall of sound, setting the stage for a match that would etch itself into Newcastle’s rich footballing history.
Gili’s photographs capture the raw emotion of the fans throughout this journey. From the tense moments of the match to the explosion of joy at the final whistle, his images tell the story of a fanbase that has endured decades of near misses and heartbreaks, now finally basking in the glory of triumph.
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