Newcastle United has lodged a formal complaint with UEFA, Olympique de Marseille, and French police after alleging that their fans were subjected to “unnecessary and disproportionate” force following their 2-1 Champions League defeat on Tuesday. The Premier League club claims that French police “indiscriminately assaulted” several of their supporters, deploying pepper spray, batons, and shields while escorting them from the stadium.
According to Newcastle's statement, plans were in place to move fans in groups of 500. However, the club alleges that once the first group was released, police began using excessive force to prevent the remaining supporters from moving further. The club described the actions as a combination of pepper spray, batons, and shields, resulting in numerous fans being indiscriminately assaulted.
“Many supporters were visibly distressed, particularly in the upper concourse area of the away sector, where crushing became apparent,” the statement continued.
Olympique de Marseille, however, refuted Newcastle's claims, stating that arrangements for away supporters were planned well in advance in coordination with the Prefecture of Police, UEFA, and Newcastle. The club asserted that the measures complied with UEFA standards and were implemented without incident.
Marseille also stated that “No specific incidents or alerts were reported to it (club) by Newcastle United FC during the evening of the match, either by their representatives present at the stadium or in the hours following the match.” They further added that feedback from UEFA attested to the quality of the implemented measures and their successful operational implementation.
Marseille police have stated that they maintained a friendly attitude with visiting Newcastle fans.
What Next?
UEFA will likely investigate the claims made by Newcastle United. The outcome of this investigation could have implications for future security arrangements at football matches involving away supporters.
- Newcastle United has formally complained.
- Marseille denies any wrongdoing.
- UEFA is likely to investigate.