Newcastle United have accused French police of using “unnecessary and disproportionate” force on their supporters following Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Marseille.
The club outlined its position
in a formal statement, saying fans were held inside the Stade Velodrome after the match before being escorted in small groups to the train station.
Newcastle said that, during the release of the first group of supporters, police used “a combination of pepper spray, batons and shields” and “indiscriminately assaulted” many of those present.
The club added that its travelling staff attempted to intervene on the night, but their efforts had “limited impact” in altering the behaviour of local officers.
The statement also said the club had received “deeply concerning” accounts from supporters describing “distress, frustration and anger” at how the situation unfolded. Newcastle stressed that, in their view, the fans had waited inside the stadium “without incident” prior to the confrontation outside.
Newcastle confirmed they will file a formal complaint with French police, UEFA and Marseille, citing concerns over the handling of their travelling support.
The club said that “supporter safety and welfare should always be of paramount importance” and condemned the treatment their fans experienced.
