By Eleanor Westwood | Northern Times Sport | August 23, 2025
Dateline:
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE — It was meant to be a historic moment. For one Newcastle United supporter, it already was — etched in ink, belief, and a touch of heartbreak.
In a story that has sparked widespread debate among fans and neutrals alike, 29-year-old Geordie diehard Liam Patterson took his devotion to an extraordinary level by tattooing “Carabao Cup Winners 2025 – Newcastle United” across his right hand just days before the Magpies’ long-awaited final at Wembley.
But as fate would have it, Newcastle fell short — again — losing 2–1 to Manchester United in a tense, emotionally-charged showdown.
Now, Patterson’s tattoo has become a talking point far beyond the Toon.
> “I believed in the lads with everything I had,” said Patterson, standing outside St James’ Park, proudly displaying the bold, block-lettered ink that wraps around his knuckles. “It wasn’t about the result — it was about the belief. I wanted the universe to know I backed the boys all the way.”
The tattoo, done at a local parlor in Heaton three days before the final, features the Newcastle crest, the date “02/03/25”, and the word “CHAMPIONS” in Gothic typeface.
Social media reaction was immediate and unforgiving.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user quipped, “Bro must’ve skipped the second half,” while another wrote, “Ink before the win – the ultimate jinx.”
But Patterson is unfazed.
> “This club hasn’t won a major domestic trophy since 1955,” he said. “It was never about being right — it was about daring to dream. Some people wear shirts, I wear history.”
Club legend Alan Shearer commented lightly on BBC Sport, saying, “That’s some commitment. Painful in more ways than one.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, when asked about the incident post-match, chuckled: “We love the passion of our fans. Liam’s optimism is what makes this club special. Hopefully, we’ll give him the real thing next year — no edits needed.”
Despite the loss, Patterson has no plans to remove or modify the tattoo. “If anything, it stays as a reminder — that we’re close, that belief matters. And when we do win it, I’ll be the first one who already knew.”
As Newcastle United regroups for next season, Patterson’s ink stands as a permanent symbol of unshakable loyalty — and a cautionary tale about tempting fate.
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