Newcastle United officials will file a formal complaint with UEFA. The club is also contacting French authorities. This follows a chaotic post-match incident involving travelling supporters.
The club alleges that police used “unnecessary and disproportionate force.” The incident occurred at the Stade Vélodrome on Tuesday night. It followed the Magpies’ 2-1 Champions League defeat to Marseille.
“Pepper Spray, Batons, and Shields”
The situation escalated after the final whistle. A hold-back period was planned for fan safety. Newcastle fans were required to remain inside the stadium for up to an hour.
However, witnesses allege police launched a crackdown. This happened after the first group of fans departed.
The club stated that officers used aggressive tactics. They utilized pepper spray, batons, and riot shields. Consequently, dangerous overcrowding occurred in the upper concourse.
“Many supporters were visibly distressed,” a club statement revealed. “Our staff immediately addressed the matter with the police.”
Newcastle described the conduct as “unacceptable.” They emphasized that supporter safety must remain paramount.
Fans Describe “Inhumane” Conditions
Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture. Supporters described being treated “like criminals.” They insist they complied with instructions.
Liam Phillips, a season ticket holder, recounted the scene. He saw police “whack people indiscriminately.”
“It felt inhumane,” Phillips said. “There was no aggro. It was all good-natured.”
Other reports highlight unsanitary conditions. Fans allegedly stood in urine after toilets overflowed. Darren Curry, a representative of the Newcastle Supporters Club, called the situation perilous. He noted that many fans were visibly panicked as security forces “kettled” them.
Police and Marseille Respond
Local law enforcement denied the allegations. They pushed back against claims of widespread brutality.
Officials acknowledged using tear gas. However, they insisted it was “very limited.” They claimed it was a response to a crowd surge. Police maintained that no other force was used.
Marseille football club also defended the operation. They stated that protocols were agreed upon in advance. Furthermore, they attributed sanitary issues to “acts of vandalism.”
A Pattern of Concern
This incident increases scrutiny on France. Questions remain about the safety of hosting major football events there.
The country faces repeated criticism. Heavy-handed policing has been a major issue. This dates back to the chaotic scenes at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.
Critics argue there is a systemic problem. They believe aggressive police tactics put lives at risk. Consequently, the mistreatment of travelling fans remains a point of contention for football governing bodies.
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