English Fans Expose a Massive Scandal at the Vélodrome Stadium!

Last night, the Vélodrome erupted with excitement. Struggling in the Champions League with three losses in four matches, Olympique de Marseille finally celebrated a victory, defeating Newcastle 2-1. This win was a relief for Roberto De Zerbi’s team, who managed to come back from an early setback when they were trailing just six minutes into the game. Unfortunately, France found itself at the center of another controversy regarding its handling of visiting supporters during European competitions.

France Under Scrutiny Again

Just three weeks ago, Bayern Munich lodged a complaint with UEFA, claiming last-minute decisions imposed on their fans by the Paris police. This time, Newcastle supporters spoke out about their treatment at the Vélodrome, as reported by Chronicle Live. “Newcastle United faces multiple complaints after French police used tear gas and batons to control the crowd following their 2-1 defeat at the Vélodrome last night,” the Tyneside-based outlet indicated.

Essentially, the supporters of Newcastle felt trapped for over an hour after the match, “crammed into subway cars” to be taken back to La Joliette, a neighborhood in Marseille. About 2,200 English fans were reportedly given strict instructions prior to the match and were threatened with denial of entry if they did not comply with transportation plans. Moreover, “Manchester United supporters were aware of delays post-match, but the police showed no urgency in returning fans to their hotels. A broken toilet forced supporters to wade through sewage to exit the stadium,” added Chronicle Live.

Controversial Stadium Exit

In light of these incidents following the clashes in Marseille, several Newcastle supporters expressed outrage on social media. “Very poor communication that day. The toilets were broken, leaving the floor covered in sewage. We were kept locked up like animals for two hours. It’s a joke,” posted a fan on X. The Toon Polls account, which has nearly 71,000 followers, shared an unflattering account of the situation. “Back at the hotel now. I think that was truly the worst managed stadium exit I’ve ever seen. Delaying the crowd for too long is utterly counterproductive. People start to get agitated. Then, the crowd pushes forward, and the police strike at anyone (who is doing nothing wrong) in the process, making things worse. We were held back four times. The French police management was absolutely chaotic. We were warned about the Marseille supporters (who behaved well for the most part), but the crowd control strategy implemented by the police was the biggest problem of the evening. Honestly, it was terrible.”

Liam Phillips, managing the Toon Polls account, further criticized the situation, stating, “I can accept losing a football match. I shouldn’t have to accept that my fellow supporters are mishandled by those who are supposed to protect them.” In response to the backlash, the English club acted quickly, starting with the Newcastle Supporters Club. “The club is aware of the numerous issues faced by supporters upon leaving the stadium last night.” Newcastle’s CEO, Jamie Reuben, also reached out to the Magpies’ fans, saying, “Thank you to our supporters who traveled to attend the match. I know that the result and logistical conditions were not ideal, but I want to thank you for making the journey and wish you a safe return home.” With a loss and the manner of their treatment fresh in their minds, Newcastle supporters are unlikely to forget this incident anytime soon.