Rafa Thanks Fans Behind Gallowgate Flags

Rafa Benítez and his Newcastle United players will be met by a wall of black and white support before Saturday's game against Huddersfield Town when the inaugural Gallowgate Flags display takes place at St. James' Park.

Benítez has thanked the supporters behind the display and is encouraging all fans to get behind the campaign by arriving early for the match this weekend.

Around 500 flags, designed and funded entirely by supporters, will be used to create a stunning visual effect across the Gallowgate and South East Corner areas of the ground before the 3pm kick-off on Saturday - dubbed 'Black and White Day'.

The Gallowgate Flags group, consisting of fans in those areas, is urging all supporters to arrive at the stadium 30 minutes early in order to take part and build a special atmosphere before the Magpies' first home Championship fixture of the 2016/17 season.

Fans in all areas of the stadium are also encouraged to wear their black and white shirts and scarves, complementing the display throughout St. James' Park.

Newcastle United manager, Rafa Benítez, said: "The atmosphere that the fans create already is amazing, but for our fans to organise something like this shows the huge passion of the Geordies to support their team.

"I know it will make the noise and the atmosphere in St James' Park even more special than usual, and that will be fantastic.

"I would like to thank everyone involved with this project on behalf of myself and the players. It is things like this that can really make the difference for us over a long and challenging season ahead."

Alex Hurst, one of Gallowgate Flags' founding members, said: "The Huddersfield game is the perfect opportunity for fans to pack into St James' Park 30 minutes early to really show what kind of an atmosphere we can make.

"This is the manager's first home game since he has publicly thanked us for the noise and affection we showed him during the Spurs game, and it's important that both he and the team know that it wasn't a one off.

"With the added factor of several first team players making their home team debuts and a need to get three points, we really hope you can help us turn St James' into a sea of black and white on Saturday."

To find out more about Gallowgate Flags, please visit www.gallowgateflags.co.uk. To get involved in the project, including volunteering to set up displays inside the ground, please email [email protected].

Once flags have been used as part of the display before kick-off, supporters who volunteer to assist Gallowgate Flags are asked to roll up and store their flag underneath their seat ready for collection after full-time.

In order to ensure other supporters do not have their views restricted during the game, the Gallowgate Flags group has asked that flags are not used during the 90 minutes.

For supporters wishing to bring their own flags, there is a restriction on 'large' flags and poles of lengths over one metre, both of which must be agreed in advance with the Newcastle United safety and security team by calling 0191 2018634.

Crucially, flags are also subject to having the required fire retardant certification. Fans wishing to drape banners over unoccupied seats or walls must not obscure any safety signage or sponsorship/promotional material.