Newcastle United fans went crazy for the new third kit in Tokyo on the eve of their clash with Urawa Reds.
At teatime in Japan, just as the kit was being launched at 9am 5,800 miles away back in the UK, queues began forming here in Chuo City. As supporters began arriving the new white kit, a nod to the 1999/2000 away kit worn during the Ruud Gullit and Sir Bobby Robson eras, was unveiled at Euro Sports and there was no shortage of interest.
Late evening shoppers with no interest in football looked bemused as the masses of Newcastle fans turned up to get their hands on the new kit. Shopping centre workers struggled to keep the crowd from blocking the entry of other shops as the black and white queue stretched past the likes of Diesel and Starbucks at the indoor complex.
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The first to buy the kit was Newcastle Youtuber Adam Pearson who told Chronicle Live: "The kit went on sale at 5pm in Japan just as it went on sale in the UK. Shola Ameobi turned up to meet the fans too.
"I really like the shirt, the design and the fact there's an individual Magpies badge on the back and the old NUFC badge. Maybe this is the best of the three new kits. I saw in Tokyo yesterday how there was going to be a massive surprise with Shola to boost the event."
Ameobi met fans with hundreds turning out to pick up the new kit in Japan. Tokyo-based Newcastle fan and Chronicle Live reader Shuhei Suzuki said: "I read Chronicle Live every day and heard about the kit launch on social media. I have been a Newcastle fan a long time and I had to be there
"For me to meet Shola Ameobi is a big thing and to see so many Newcastle fans over here in Tokyo is huge. I can't wait for the two games here and to wear my shirt."
More fan events are set to take place in Tokyo later this week with an open air event at Hello bar in Shinjuku City on Saturday before the clash with Yokohama F Marinos. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, when asked about fan events, said: "It’s something different. It’s a new experience for the players and the staff.
"This is a country that you might not otherwise get a chance to visit in your lifetime and of course, the big thing is that it’s a chance to meet new people and generate more supporters for Newcastle. It’s always a great thing."
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