FURIOUS Newcastle United fans have urged a landowner to tear down a fence they constructed next to St James’ Park.
The structure has been built close to the East Stand of the stadium on Leazes Terrace and supporters are warning it could be a fire hazard.
Pictures shared on X by Newcastle United Supporters Trust reveal how the barrier is just yards away from the doors.
Matchgoers claim the fence poses “serious health and safety concerns” and could have “dangerous consequences” in the event of overcrowding.
It is not known when the wooden fence was erected.
One fan took to social media to comment: “That’s restricting egress in the event of a fire.”
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Another penned: “I can’t see the fans allowing that to stay up long.”
A third said: “Health and Safety risk for supporters absolutely stupid putting that there.”
Adam Stoker, co vice-chair of Newcastle United Supporters Trust, said: “We have raised the concerns of our board and our members with the club directly.
“Naturally we are concerned about the serious health and safety concerns that the structure poses, given the impact this would have on queues when accessing and departing the East Stand.
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“The area of the ground right by where this has been constructed is a very busy area on matchdays and putting obstacles in the way of supporters could have dangerous consequences and result in significant overcrowding.
“We have been contacted by a number of our members on this issue who are concerned about the risks it could potentially cause.
“We strongly urge the land owner to remove the current structure and to stop putting structures in place which could compromise the safety of our supporters on matchdays.
“It’s disgraceful to display such openly petty behaviour, while showing blatant disregard for the potential of their actions to put the safety of our fans at risk.”
It’s disgraceful to display such openly petty behaviour.
Adam Stoker
A Newcastle United spokesperson added: “We are aware that one of our neighbouring landowner’s, St James Terrace Land Ltd, has chosen to erect a timber fence on land which abuts the exterior of the East Stand of St. James’ Park.
“The landowner is not associated with or affiliated to the Club in any way whatsoever.
“In the interests of continuing to provide uninterrupted access for our fans and others using St. James’ Park, particularly on matchdays, we have offered alternative nearby sites to the landowner for the safe storage of their items and will continue to seek to engage in constructive dialogue with the landowner on this matter.
“We will monitor the situation and will work closely with our partners to find a sensible way forward.
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“The Club has this week reached out to its season ticket holders to understand their views on how the recent usage of the land by St James Terrace Land Ltd has impacted them.”
The landowner was not available for comment.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
