Olympique de Marseille has finally found a smile again. Having gotten off to a bad start in the Champions League after three defeats in four matches, OM returned to success by overthrowing Newcastle United at the Vélodrome (2-1). Trailing from the 6th minute of play, the Marseillais were able to count on a double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to reverse the trend and relaunch their European campaign.
But the evening was also marked by strong tensions in the stands. According to the British media Chronicle Liveseveral Newcastle supporters denounced the treatment that would have been reserved for them in their parking lot. “Newcastle United face multiple complaints after French police used tear gas and batons in attempt to control crowd following 2-1 defeat at Vélodrome”writes the media.
English supporters also claim to have been detained more than an hour after the match, “crammed into metro trains”in order to be taken back to the La Joliette area. Around 2,200 fans were reportedly given very strict travel instructions before the match and were even threatened with not being able to access the stadium in the event of non-compliance.
“Chaotic police management”
On social networks, anger quickly spread.
“We were kept locked up like caged animals for two hours”testified a supporter on X. The Toon Polls account, followed by nearly 71,000 subscribers, also denounced “absolutely chaotic police management” And “a catastrophic crowd control strategy”.
These denunciations do not constitute an isolated case. Three weeks earlier, Bayern Munich had already contacted UEFA before its match against Paris Saint-Germain, with the German club criticizing last-minute decisions imposed on its supporters by the Paris police headquarters.
