"We will be formally raising our concerns with Uefa, Olympique de Marseille and French police in relation to the unacceptable treatment of our supporters by police at Stade Velodrome following Tuesday's UEFA Champions League fixture. According to Newcastle, travelling fans were kept inside the stadium for an hour in a planned move for their safety, with groups of 500 then escorted to the metro to go to the supporters' meeting point."
"Once the first group of supporters was released, the police began using unnecessary and disproportionate force to stop the remainder of our fans from moving any further. This was actioned through a combination of pepper spray, batons and shields, with numerous supporters being indiscriminately assaulted by the police. Many supporters were visibly distressed, particularly in the upper concourse area of the away sector, where crushing became apparent. Our staff immediately addressed the matter with the police, however this had limited impact on their excessive tactics."
Newcastle plan to raise formal complaints with UEFA, Olympique de Marseille and French police over the treatment of travelling supporters after the 2-1 defeat in Marseille. Travelling fans were reportedly held inside the stadium for an hour for safety before groups of 500 were escorted toward the metro. Police allegedly used unnecessary and disproportionate force when the first group was released, deploying pepper spray, batons and shields and causing visible distress and crushing in the away concourse. Newcastle staff attempted to intervene, supporters reported distress, and the club condemns the police tactics while prioritising supporter safety and welfare.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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