Newcastle make official UEFA complaint after ‘unacceptable’ Champions League treatment

Newcastle United have launched an official complaint to UEFA following the club’s 2-1 Champions League loss against Marseille on Tuesday.

Eddie Howe’s side took the lead through the in-form Harvey Barnes, but a double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang turned the match in OM’s favour early in the second half.

Newcastle’s anger, however, stems from the treatment of their supporters after the match, with claims that they were held in Stade Velodrome for a prolonged period after the game and were subjected to unsanitary conditions as well as police brutality.

Newcastle issue official response to ‘indiscriminate assaults’ by police

A statement from the Premier League club reads:

“Following the final whistle, our supporters were required to remain in the stadium for a period of up to one hour on the instruction of local authorities to ensure their safety when leaving the stadium.

“Plans were in place to move 500 supporters at a time, with a police escort to the Metro station for onward travel to Place de la Joliette.

“Our supporters were in good spirits despite the disappointing result and waited patiently and without incident during the hold back period. The post-match operation was observed at close quarters by our stewards and senior staff.

“Once the first group of supporters was released, the police began using unnecessary and disproportionate force to stop the remainder of our fans from moving any further. This was actioned through a combination of pepper spray, batons and shields, with numerous supporters being indiscriminately assaulted by the police.

“Many supporters were visibly distressed, particularly in the upper concourse area of the away section, where crushing became apparent.

“Fans leaving the stadium rightly shared their distress, frustration and anger with our staff, and we have subsequently received deeply concerning witness reports from supporters who were in attendance.”

What do Newcastle want?

Newcastle are pushing for a formal investigation into the matter from both UEFA and Marseille.

The club has called for any supporters who were eyewitness to the events to contact them to ensure the scenes are not repeated.