Lost In Translation: Barcelona Fan Travels To Wrong St James’ Park; Misses Out On UCL Night

Last Updated:March 11, 2026, 8:08 PM IST

While he may have missed Barcelona’s dramatic UCL night, one travelling supporter at least left with a memorable, if slightly confusing, story to tell for the ages.

A Barcelona fan in Riyadh (AFP)

A Barcelona fan hoping to watch his team in the Champions League ended up having a very different football experience, after travelling to the wrong St James’ Park.

The supporter had planned to watch Barcelona take on Newcastle United at Newcastle’s St James’ Park on Tuesday night. Instead, he found himself nearly 600 kilometres away in the southwestern English city of Exeter.

How Did He End Up At Exeter?

The confusion came down to a simple mistake.

Exeter City’s stadium is also called St James Park, and the fan reportedly followed directions on his phone straight there.

While Barcelona were battling Newcastle in a thrilling Champions League last-16 clash, the unfortunate supporter was watching League One side Exeter City host Lincoln City.

What Unfolded?

The two matches couldn’t have been more different.

At Newcastle’s St James’ Park, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal scored a late equaliser to secure a 1–1 draw for the Spanish champions, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg.

Meanwhile in Exeter, the evening’s football ended in a far less glamorous 1–0 win for Lincoln City.

Exeter’s Gesture Of Kindness

Despite the mix-up, Exeter staff did their best to make the fan feel welcome.

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

“He was pretty gutted and a bit embarrassed,” Spencer added.

“So we sorted him out a ticket, and he got to watch a game at the real St James Park. He’d be welcome back any time.”

(with agency inputs)

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