Newcastle United will launch an official complaint to UEFA after their supporters were mistreated by French police following Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Marseille.
The Premier League club accused French police of using pepper spray, batons and shields against their fans after the final whistle at the Stade Velodrome.
Newcastle have confirmed they will formally raise their concerns with UEFA over the ‘unacceptable treatment’ of their supporters.
Fans were kept inside the stadium for an hour in a planned move for their safety. But things apparently went awry after the first group was released, when police started attacking fans indiscriminately.
This is not the first time English fans have suffered mistreatment in France.
Manchester United supporters were tear-gassed by Lyon police last season before their Europa League quarter-final away leg.
There were also chaotic scenes at the Stade de France ahead of the 2022 Champions League final, when Liverpool fans were embroiled in troubles with the Paris police.
Newcastle consistently inconsistent
Eddie Howe’s side have been consistently inconsistent this season.
The Magpies defeated Benfica, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur across three different competitions, before losing to West Ham United at the London Stadium.
They bounced back with a 2-0 success over Athletic Club in the Champions League, but lost 3-1 at Brentford afterwards in the Premier League.
Newcastle overcame Manchester City 2-1 on Sunday, but failed to continue their momentum at Marseille, who triumphed after a brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The treatment of their fans added to a disappointing night and it will be intriguing to see if UEFA takes any action.
