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Overseas supporter event brings magic of the FA Cup to Riyadh
Newcastle United hero Shay Given headlined the club's latest international supporter event, taking part in an exclusive meet and greet in Riyadh before joining fans for a live screening of the Magpies' 2-0 victory over Fulham in the FA Cup.
The iconic former goalkeeper joined overseas fans and expats to take part in a pre-match Q&A where he looked back on his 12-year playing spell at St. James' Park, spoke about the season so far and discussed his love for the club.
"It's great to see Newcastle fans in numbers wherever you go in the world," said Given. "You can tell straight away when you're with Newcastle fans from that natural warmth and welcome, and how they make anywhere in the world feel like the North East."
Held at the vibrant Aria Lounge in Riyadh, the evening also featured exclusive Newcastle United giveaways and the opportunity to connect with fellow supporters, before an interactive session with Given warmed up the crowd ahead of the crucial FA Cup fourth round tie at Craven Cottage.
"I've been fortunate to play for Newcastle in so many countries with European football and we were so lucky to be backed by huge numbers, with fans travelling literally everywhere to support the team," explained the former Republic of Ireland stopper. "It's great now that there are more events for fans in every corner of the world, supporting the club.
"In the summer we had a number of events in America for fans who had travelled or lived in the USA, so to continue doing events like this in more locations is incredible - it shows the size of the football club and the passion of our fans around the world."
The watch party is one of several similar global supporter events and part of the club's supporter engagement plan, which has seen the club host a number of live Q&A sessions and watch parties in a number of cities around the world.
The evening was the second supporter engagement event in Riyadh following the exclusive talk-in which was attended by the club's ownership and directors along with Eddie Howe and members of his first team in December 2022.