Revealed: Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool was watched by a record EIGHT million viewers – reaching 193 international territories

Newcastle United’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final was watched by a record 8million viewers — equating to half of the nation who had their TV on.

A peak UK audience of 7.9m tuned in across Sky Sports and ITV as the Magpies ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy. An average of 6.3m UK viewers was recorded across the 90 minutes. Millions more watched around the globe, with the game shown in 193 international territories.

The figures have been driven by a partnership between the EFL and Sky Sports which this season has seen every match of the Carabao Cup broadcast live in the UK for the first time.

Matchday attendance also enjoyed a rise. The figure of more than 1.7m paying punters across the competition was the highest since its change in format in 2001-02 and was up 20 per cent on last season.

EFL CEO Trevor Birch said: ‘The attendance and viewership numbers for Sunday’s final demonstrate the continued popularity of the Carabao Cup, and the value the competition holds in the football calendar for supporters up and down the country and across the world.

‘It was a fitting finale to a wonderful season of Carabao Cup football.’