Overview
- Newcastle says visiting supporters were held for up to an hour then met with pepper spray, batons and shields during a controlled exit in groups of 500, with reports of distress and crushing in the away concourse.
- Club officials are collecting witness statements and footage in coordination with the United Kingdom Football Policing Unit, with CEO David Hopkinson making a direct complaint to UEFA.
- Olympique de Marseille counters that crowd-management plans were pre-agreed with authorities and UEFA, implemented to standard, and that no issues were reported by Newcastle representatives on the night.
- The Marseille police prefecture says a brief crowd surge prompted limited tear gas use by one riot officer affecting about 20 fans, reports no injuries or complaints, and otherwise describes a smooth operation.
- UEFA has not announced any disciplinary action or formal probe, though its match observer’s report and submitted evidence are expected to inform any next steps.