NEWCASTLE, England — The upcoming clash between Newcastle and Arsenal in the English League Cup semifinals has stirred nostalgic feelings, particularly with the presence of one of the mascots.
Rafael Tiote, the son of the late Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote, took on the role of mascot for Newcastle during a pivotal match at St. James’ Park, marking one of the club’s significant occasions in recent history.
This match notably coincides with the anniversary of a remarkable moment in Premier League history, as it was exactly 14 years since Rafael’s father scored an unforgettable goal. On that fateful day, Cheick Tiote scored an 87th-minute volley from distance, a feat that contributed to Newcastle’s remarkable comeback from a 4-0 deficit to secure a 4-4 draw against Arsenal.
That volley remains Tiote’s only goal in Premier League history, a defining moment of his tenure with Newcastle from 2010 to 2017. The Ivorian international’s life was tragically cut short in 2017 when he passed away at the age of 30 after collapsing during training with Chinese club Beijing Enterprises.
Rafael Tiote had the honor of being one of 11 children who walked out onto the pitch alongside Newcastle players, all dressed in the club’s uniform. He had the special privilege of accompanying Newcastle’s captain, Bruno Guimaraes, showcasing a poignant connection to his father’s legacy.
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