‘UEFA investigation to be launched’ after horror scenes follow Newcastle loss vs Marseille
UEFA are set to conduct an investigation into the way Newcastle fans were treated after their team’s defeat to Marseille on Tuesday night.
That is the view of former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who has exclusively told Football Insider that the governing body will take a closer look into the events that took place in the aftermath of the Champions League clash.
Harvey Barnes netted an early opener for Newcastle in the South of France, but the visitors could do little to prevent a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang-inspired comeback that saw the hosts run out 2-1 winners.
It was just the second defeat of the season for Eddie Howe’s men in their continental campaign, but it was a night that will be remembered more for what took place off the pitch by their supporters.
UEFA to ‘take on board’ Newcastle observations amid planned compliant
Newcastle fans were left frustrated after their team squandered their early advantage on Tuesday night, and events after full-time provided even more unrest.
The visiting supporters were held inside the Stade Velodrome for several hours before and after the game, and French police have been heavily criticised for their handling of the Magpies’ faithful who had made the trip for the game.
As a result, Newcastle themselves are now considering making an official complaint to both UEFA and the relevant French authorities after the way their fans were treated, according to The Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards, via his X account.
Hackett believes that their imminent complaint will prompt a full investigation from UEFA, with the Match Observer likely to play a key role in assessing the situation.
“I have witnessed on many occasions at UEFA games across Europe the Police taking a much tougher stance against Football fans than what we witness in England,” Hackett said.
“The UEFA Match Observer who was appointed to the game by the competition organisers, will have been monitoring the safe egress of fans from the stadium in the course of carrying out his duties.
“In incidents like this one, if it is appropriate to underpin his post-match report, the observer will be taking the appropriate photographs. UEFA will no doubt then take on board Newcastle United’s observations and carry out an investigation.”
Marseille already had a punishment in place for Newcastle clash
Newcastle fans received plenty of warnings ahead of their trip to Marseille, but unfortunately, the issues that they encountered are not unfamiliar at the Ligue 1 outfit in recent years.
The French outfit were already hit with a partial stand closure for the midweek clash, according to Flashscores, and they are surely now set to face further punishment.
UEFA have shown over the years that they are not afraid to hand out hefty fines and stadium closures for incidents like this, and Newcastle’s complaint will surely force them into action if it is submitted.