Newcastle United have announced plans to raise concerns with UEFA over the “unacceptable treatment” received by their fans at the hands of French police.
The complaint of mistreatment came after their side’s defeat against Marseille at Stade Velodrome.
According to the club, the police authorities have used disproportionate and unnecessary force towards their supporters, making them distressed due to unrestricted use of force following Tuesday’s Champions League game.
In relation to the recent incident, Newcastle issued a statement, condemning maltreatment, "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 Vélodrome following Tuesday's UEFA Champions League fixture.”
"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,” the statement added.
Brutal use of force characterized by batons, pepper spray, and shields was indiscriminately deployed by the Marseille police.
"Many supporters were visibly distressed, particularly in the upper concourse area of the away section, where crushing became apparent," the club stated.
Newcastle also emphasized that fans' safety should be of utmost importance during such events, while censuring the police behaviour.
