MEP Martin Callanan is set to launch a complainant following the treatment several Newcastle fans experienced whilst visiting Bruges earlier this month. A large number of Newcastle supporters travelled to Bruges on November 8 to support their team who were facing Club Brugge in an Europa League Group D clash. It’s been revealed that some supporters’ trips were ruined by the treatment they received from the local police force. The North East Conservative Member of the European Parliament had encouraged fans to report to him if they experienced any heavy-handed police treatment. The response Callanan received has led him to react. According to Sky Sports Tyne and Wear, one supporter claimed that she and her husband got to the stadium whereby they were refused entry because the police told them it was “full”, the claim states that “the police were laughing at them when they were trying to plead their case, they were treated appallingly.” Another fan claims that they were lead through a “dark housing estate alone which was over a mile from the stadium” where they were met be opposition fans. Others described the police as “intimidating”, “bullying” and “appalling”. Callanan has spoken to the Brugge police commissioner about the incidents, who claimed it was all an “unfortunate misunderstanding and mistake.” Speaking about the situation, Callanan said: “I am extremely concerned at the reports I have received from Newcastle fans who were simply in Brugge to support their team peacefully. “Their accounts of the treatment they received are truly shocking and I have already been in touch with the Belgian police about this. “I would be appalled if fans from other countries visiting the North East were subjected to this sort of aggressive and over the top policing and I would be the first to condemn it. “The Brugge police commissioner gave me an assurance that Newcastle supporters would be welcomed and he asked me to report any fans’ complaints to him.” Fans can contact Martin Callanan with their experiences and feedback on policing at the Club Brugge match via www.martincallanan.com
Comments