9th November 2023
Statement for Immediate Release
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN v NEWCASTLE UNITED TICKET ALLOCATION
Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) is deeply disappointed that the allocation for our away Champions League fixture at Paris Saint-Germain FC (PSG) has been cut to below the minimum acceptable level set by UEFA. This means that 400 Newcastle United supporters will miss out on the opportunity of supporting the team at Parc des Princes on 28th November 2023.
Our understanding is that this decision has been made unilaterally by PSG on safety grounds, with no compelling evidence, reason or justification for their decision.
UEFA regulations clearly state that host clubs in their club competitions must provide 5% of their stadium capacity as an away allocation. The same regulations also state that host clubs are responsible for ensuring the safety of all fans attending.
We understand PSG has referred to local police advice as the reason not to allow a full allocation of Newcastle United fans. This cannot be based on evidence and given the exemplary behaviour of Newcastle fans in Milan and Dortmund, this appears to be another example of inappropriate football organisation, preparedness and management from Parisian authorities.
It is entirely unacceptable for a club to openly disregard UEFA regulations as well as its responsibility to supporters in this manner. This demonstrates blatant disregard for football supporters in general.
If left unchanged, the reduced away allocation risks setting a worrying precedent for clubs to tamper with UEFA regulations and bend them to their own preference as they see appropriate. Many long-term Newcastle United season ticket holders have been displaced from their seats at St. James’ Park in order for Newcastle United to comply with UEFA ticketing regulations.
No club has the right to ignore these regulations and PSG must abide by them and provide Newcastle United with a minimum allocation of 5% of stadium capacity. We note that the same reduced allocation was offered to both AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund and hope that in flagging this situation we can prevent future opposition fans being short-changed.
NUST has been in discussion on this issue with Newcastle United and Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and urges PSG and the local authorities to rectify the situation without delay.
NUST welcomes and praises the efforts of Newcastle United in raising this matter with UEFA and in seeking the full allocation for our supporters.
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About Newcastle United Supporters Trust
The Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) is one of the largest supporters trusts in the UK with more than 10,000 members.
It seeks to benefit the football club and its supporters by channelling the passion of its loyal supporters into a forward-thinking non-profit organisation.
The Trust is a legally constituted, democratic organisation which is run by its members. Every member is eligible to stand for election and to vote for candidates for the NUST board which will be accountable to all NUST members.
The Trust is legally registered and reports to the Financial Conduct Authority.
www.nufctrust.co.uk
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