Newcastle United announced they will lodge a formal complaint with UEFA and French authorities after fans were allegedly “indiscriminately assaulted” by police following Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Marseille.
The club condemned the “unnecessary and disproportionate force”—including pepper spray and batons—used during a mandatory post-match hold-back at the Stade Velodrome.
Newcastle reported dangerous crushing in the concourse, while fans described the experience as “inhumane” and noted filthy sanitary conditions.
Olympique de Marseille defended the operation, stating security protocols were “strictly adhered to” and attributing overflowing toilets to vandalism.
