Local Marseille media reveal how authorities plan to deal with ‘huge number’ of Newcastle United fans | OneFootball

Thousands of Newcastle United fans are looking forward to attending this next Champions League match, away at Marseille.

After three wins in the first four UCL games, Eddie Howe and his team hoping to take another huge step towards the last 16.

Victory on Tuesday night would almost certainly guarantee a play-off spot as a minimum.

Whilst last season 16 points made sure of a top eight spot in the league stage and automatic progress into the last sixteen, so a win in Marseille would mean only four points from the final three Champions League games needed to reach that 16 point mark.

However, matters off the pitch have been making as many headlines in advance of the match.

Their own club warning Newcastle United fans of what they should and shouldn’t do to stay out of danger in Marseille.

Whilst over in Marseille itself, the local media have given an insight into how the local authorities are planning for the ‘massive arrival of Magpies fans’…

Local Marseille newspaper La Provence reporting on Newcastle United fans ahead of this Champions League match and preparations made by local authorities – 23 November 2025:

‘The 5th day of the Champions League, which will pit OM against Newcastle on Tuesday at the Vélodrome, will see the massive arrival of Magpies fans who will be strictly supervised.

In the coming hours, Marseille is preparing to see waves of English fans arrive. Unlike Ajax fans, who were banned from traveling at the end of September , French authorities have not taken a similar measure regarding Newcastle supporters, who have a generally good reputation and are known for creating a friendly atmosphere. This does not, however, prevent the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture from remaining vigilant.

Once again, a huge number of fans will be traveling far from the North of England to support Eddie Howe’s men : between 3,000 and 3,300 are expected, with 500 of them set to arrive as early as Monday, 24 hours before the kickoff of this fifth Champions League matchday. While Marseille still remembers the disturbances that occurred during matches involving English teams, especially around national team games , this time it’s the English who are on edge.

Newcastle issued a warning to the Toon Army several days ago via a lengthy message on their website . This trip will be heavily policed. ” French police strongly advise supporters against visiting the Old Port area of ​​Marseille during their stay ,” wrote NUFC.

The prefecture of the 13th district has issued an order prohibiting the presence of Magpies fans in several districts (1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th), ” except for those who will be taken into custody by the police after going to the meeting point that the French authorities have set for them to be escorted to the Vélodrome stadium .”

As is often the case, the English will meet at Place de la Joliette where activities are planned and are not, for example, allowed to go to the Youth League match in Martigues . Then, in the afternoon, they will leave in small groups for the Vélodrome d’Hiver by metro.