Newcastle United Football Club has announced its intention to submit a formal complaint to UEFA following what it describes as the unacceptable and disproportionate use of force by French police against its supporters after a Champions League match in Marseille.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening following the team’s 2-1 defeat at the Stade Vélodrome. According to the club, a post-match safety operation, intended to escort visiting fans in groups to public transport, escalated dramatically. After the first group departed, police are alleged to have employed pepper spray, batons, and riot shields to prevent the remaining supporters from proceeding.
Club officials and stewards present at the scene reported that the police response was indiscriminate and excessive. The situation reportedly led to visible distress among fans and instances of crushing in the upper concourse of the away section. Despite immediate intervention from Newcastle staff, the police tactics continued.
In a strongly worded statement, the club condemned the actions, emphasizing that supporter safety must be paramount. The club has pledged to raise its concerns directly with UEFA, Olympique de Marseille, and French police authorities. Newcastle has also called for a full investigation to ensure such conduct is not repeated and is urging affected supporters to provide their accounts of the event.