CUP TIED
Blackburn vs Newcastle FA Cup clash DELAYED 15 minutes as Gary Lineker makes statement live on BBC
The Match of the Day host explained the decision on air
KICK-OFF was delayed by 15 minutes in the FA Cup clash between Blackburn and Newcastle.
The two sides met at Ewood Park in the fifth round on Tuesday night.
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Gary Lineker announced the start of the match had been pushed back during live coverage on BBC One.
He explained that kick-off had been delayed by 15 minutes due to Newcastle fans struggling to get through the turnstiles at Ewood Park.
Rovers also confirmed in a statement on X: "Kick-off has been delayed by 15 minutes until 8pm in order to allow as many supporters as possible to enter the ground."
During the delay, Eddie Howe's players were seen returning to the pitch to warm-up for a second time as kick-off edged closer.
The match was delayed further after kick-off due to a protest from a section of Blackburn supporters.
Tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch in the 14th minute in opposition to 14 years of ownership by the Venkys group.
The clash went on to go all the way to penalties after it ended 1-1 following extra-time.
Martin Dubravka's heroics sealed a shootout victory for the Magpies as they booked their place in the last eight.
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The draw for the quarter-finals will be held at 7pm on Wednesday.
Lineker was joined in the studio by Micah Richard and former Blackburn and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer.
Maidstone's unusual pre-match routine picked up by ITV cameras live on TV ahead of historic FA Cup clash
The trio filled the added time before kick-off by discussing Shearer's time at each club as well as analysing both line-ups.
Shearer won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995 before going on to score a club record 206 goals for Newcastle.
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