An expatriate living in Australia went halfway around the world to watch his favourite football team, a local news report has stated.

Ryan Crawford, who has lived in Perth since he was 13, made the 9,000-mile trip back to Newcastle to watch his home city’s team reclaim a spot in the Premier League, the North East Chronicle reported.

The 21-year-old expatriate was determined not to miss Newcastle United’s promotion and spent around £1,500 getting back to join his fellow Magpie supporters.

"As soon as I knew that Newcastle could be promoted at the weekend I decided to fly back," Mr Crawford told the paper.

"When it was obvious that the two weekend games would probably get the Toon back up, I said: ‘that’s it, I’ve got to be there’.

"It was all a bit last-minute, and a bit mad," he added.

It took the expat 30 hours to get from Perth to Newcastle, and his modes of transport included taxis, planes, a train and a Tube journey.

Moving abroad? Get a free quote for your international medical insurance online.