Source:REUTERS/Manon Cruz
[Saba Sports News] Following the UEFA Europa League match between Newcastle United and Marseille, Newcastle’s away fans were subjected to forceful treatment by French police at the Stade Velodrome. This action sparked strong dissatisfaction from Newcastle United. In response, Newcastle has expressed concern to UEFA, Olympique de Marseille, and the French police. They are collaborating with the UK Football Policing Unit to gather evidence and are collecting accounts from fans to advance the investigation. In our opinion, Newcastle’s statement is a responsible action, prioritizing fan safety and promoting resolution through multiple channels. This both reassures the fans and demonstrates the club’s accountability. However, the core of the controversy lies in the opposing accounts from both sides; clarifying the truth depends on a complete chain of evidence. From a governance perspective, this incident exposes loopholes in security and law enforcement procedures, necessitating UEFA’s intervention and review. Ultimately, whether accountability and rectification can be achieved hinges on the independence of the investigation and the validity of the evidence. If handled improperly, it could not only harm fan rights but also affect future travel for away fans and the overall image of the competition.