Barcelona fan 'gutted' after ending up at wrong St James Park

A football fan hoping to watch FC Barcelona in the Champions League has ended up nearly 300 miles from the correct stadium after a navigation mishap led him to the wrong St James Park.

The Spanish supporter, who had travelled from London, arrived at the turnstiles of Exeter City’s home ground in Devon on Tuesday, expecting to see his side take on Newcastle United.

Instead of the Champions League tie at Newcastle's St James' Park, the fan found himself at a League One fixture between Exeter and Lincoln City.

The mix-up was only discovered when the fan, who had limited English, presented his ticket to staff at the stadium gates.

Adam Spencer, supporter experience officer at Exeter City, said: "One of our volunteers came to the office to let us know that this guy had turned up expecting to see FC Barcelona.

"My guess is he’d put 'St James Park' into his phone and then just followed the directions from there."

Despite his disappointment, the club ensured the supporter’s journey was not entirely in vain. Staff provided him with a ticket for the match against Lincoln so he could still experience a game under the lights at the Devon ground.

"He was pretty gutted and a bit embarrassed," Mr Spencer added. "He’d be welcome back any time."

While the supporter watched the action in Exeter, the real match in Newcastle concluded in a 1-1 draw.