Newcastle United are to launch a complaint following the “unacceptable treatment” of their supporters by French police after their side’s defeat against Marseille at the Stade Velodrome.
The club will formally raise their concerns with Uefa, Marseille and French police after officers used “unnecessary and disproportionate force” following Tuesday’s Champions League game.
Newcastle said a combination of pepper spray, batons and shields were used by officers, with numerous supporters being “indiscriminately assaulted by the police”.
The club added they “strongly condemn the treatment of our supporters”.
Travelling Magpies fans were due to be held back inside the stadium after the final whistle for a period of up to one on hour for their own safety.
They were then to be escorted in groups of 500 to the metro, which they would catch back to the Place de la Joliette, the mandatory fan meeting point put in place by the local authorities and the police in Marseille.
However, Newcastle said that once the first group of supporters was released from the ground following the 2-1 defeat, the police began using “unnecessary and disproportionate force to stop the remainder of our fans from moving any further”.
“Many supporters were visibly distressed, particularly in the upper concourse area of the away section, where crushing became apparent,” the club stated.
“Our staff immediately addressed the matter with the police, however this had limited impact on their excessive tactics.
“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.
“Supporter safety and welfare should always be of paramount importance, and we strongly condemn the treatment of our supporters by the police during this incident.”
The post-match operation was observed at close quarters by Newcastle stewards and senior staff.
More to follow.
