Newcastle fans hit with travel nightmare after being advised NOT to travel to Tottenham clash by train - with supporters left scrambling for last-minute arrangements to attend game

Newcastle fans are facing a race against time to make kick-off in their game at Tottenham on Sunday afternoon after being advised not to travel to the match by train. 

Some lines between the North East and London remain closed after damage to overhead wires between Peterborough and Grantham on Saturday.

Many Magpies supporters had been expected to make the 570-mile round-trip by rail from Newcastle to King's Cross.  

But a statement from London North East Railway, which runs the line between the capital and places such as Newcastle, said: 'The lines remain blocked today between Peterborough and Grantham to allow repairs to be made to the overhead line.

'Customers with tickets dated 9 or 10 December 2023 can use their tickets for travel on 11 or 12 December. Alternatively, you are able to obtain a refund from the point of purchase.

'We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to your journey today.'

Operators have confirmed refunds will be offered but advising that those planning to travel shouldn't do so.

Supporters have now been left to organise alternative travel routes at the last minute. 

The Premier League match-up promises to be an exciting affair, with both sides looking to bounce back from disappointing defeats last time out. 

Tottenham suffered their fourth loss in five games at home to West Ham on Thursday, while Newcastle were handed a rare 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Everton. 

Following the result, Kieran Trippier has urged his Newcastle teammates to 'dig in' as they face difficult games ahead with an injury-hit squad. 

Trippier said: 'It's been a tough few weeks - and it isn't going to get any easier with Spurs away and AC Milan in the Champion League. But it is what it is. 

'We have to forget the Everton game and concentrate on what's ahead of us.'

'It's no good feeling sorry for ourselves. We won't get any sympathy from anyone else, so we have to dig in and do what we've been doing for most of the season.

'We've had disappointments at the start of the season and we've bounced back from them in the right way. Now we have to do it again. 

'I'll hold my hands up and say it wasn't a good game for me in particular (against Everton) but I'll learn from it and move on.

'Spurs are going through a bit of a tough spell of their own at the moment. It's always a tough game down there - and this one will be even harder because they've got their own reasons to want to win.

'The manager and the coaching staff will prepare us the best they can and then it's up to us to go out there and deliver. No excuses.'

Newcastle travel to Tottenham on Sunday in a huge game for both sides before hosting AC Milan in the Champions League at St James' Park.