Newcastle United condemn ‘unacceptable treatment’ of supporters by French police | OneFootball

Newcastle United have announced that they will formally raise concerns with UEFA, Olympique de Marseille and French police after what the club described as the “unacceptable” post-match handling of their fans during Tuesday’s Champions League fixture at the Stade Vélodrome. In a statement published by the Premier League club, Newcastle allege that police then prevented remaining supporters from moving and used force indiscriminately, including pepper spray, batons and shields. The club highlight “visible distress” among those held back, particularly in the upper concourse of the away sector, where crushing reportedly began to develop.

Newcastle say club staff attempted to intervene but with “limited impact,” and that multiple witness accounts received since the match reflect distress, frustration and anger among travelling supporters.

Newcastle will now request a full investigation from UEFA, OM and local authorities to ensure accountability and avoid similar incidents in the future. The club is also working with the United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) while gathering evidence and witness testimony.Eyewitness accounts shared with both The Chronicle and The Telegraph indicate that travelling supporters were held inside the stadium compound for more than an hour post-match, with several describing overcrowded exits, poor crowd-flow management and a heavy-handed response from CRS officers when tensions rose. Videos circulating online appear to show police deploying tear gas near the away section concourse, while other clips show supporters being struck with batons during attempts to move toward the metro shuttle.

The Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) released a short statement acknowledging the complaints and urging any fans affected to submit written accounts and media evidence. “We expect supporters to be kept safe, not endangered,” the group wrote, adding that they will liaise directly with the club and relevant authorities.

In Marseille, local officials have not yet publicly addressed the allegations.

GFFN | George Boxall