Newcastle United will formally protest to European football’s governing body and French authorities following what the club describes as the unjustifiable handling of its fans by police forces after a Champions League match in Marseille.
The incident occurred following Tuesday’s European fixture, where the English side fell to a 2-1 defeat. According to the club, while the initial plan to hold fans inside the Stade Vélodrome for an hour was intended as a safety measure, the situation escalated dramatically when police began employing aggressive tactics.
Club officials reported that law enforcement used pepper spray, batons, and shields against supporters as they were being escorted toward public transport. The operation, which was observed by Newcastle’s own security personnel, was characterized by the use of disproportionate force.
Numerous accounts from attendees described scenes of distress, especially in the upper concourse of the away section, where crowding became a serious concern. Club staff attempted to intervene with the police commanders but reported that their appeals had little effect on the conduct of the officers.
Newcastle has strongly condemned the actions, emphasizing that fan safety must be the highest priority at all times. The club is now gathering firsthand testimonies from supporters who were present and will submit a detailed complaint to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.
