Newcastle United have announced plans to formally raise a complaint over the “unacceptable treatment” of their supporters by French police following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome.
The Magpies intend to lodge concerns with UEFA, Marseille authorities, and the French police after reports emerged of officers using “unnecessary and disproportionate force” against travelling fans. Newcastle stated that a combination of pepper spray, batons, and shields were deployed, leaving numerous supporters “indiscriminately assaulted by the police.”
The club said it “strongly condemn[s] the treatment of our supporters.” Supporters had been held back inside the stadium for up to an hour after the final whistle for safety reasons, before being escorted in groups of 500 to the metro to reach the mandatory fan meeting point at Place de la Joliette.
However, Newcastle reported that once the first group of fans exited the stadium, police employed “unnecessary and disproportionate force” to prevent the remainder of supporters from moving. “Many supporters were visibly distressed, particularly in the upper concourse area of the away section, where crushing became apparent,” the club said.
Newcastle staff immediately intervened, but the club added that this had limited impact on the officers’ “excessive tactics.” Fans leaving the ground shared their distress and frustration with club staff, who subsequently received “deeply concerning witness reports” from supporters 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,” Newcastle emphasized. The post-match operation was closely monitored by club stewards and senior officials.
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