Newcastle vs AC Milan: Heavy crowds expected as football fans march through city centre

Shoppers in Newcastle have been warned to expect heavy crowds as AC Milan fans march through the city centre, close to the Christmas markets (pictured in 2020). Credit: PA

Christmas shoppers and market stall holders have been warned to expect heavy crowds as AC Milan fans march through the centre of Newcastle.

Supporters of the Italian giants are due to parade up to St James’ Park ahead of the crunch Champions League clash with Newcastle United on Wednesday, as thousands of Borussia Dortmund and PSG fans have done for their European fixtures in the city this year.

It means the away fans will be in close contact with the Christmas markets around Grey's Monument and Old Eldon Square.

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Milan supporters have agreed to start their march closer to the stadium than was the case for the PSG or Dortmund matches, with the route starting at the tunnel on Blackett Street rather than the Monument or Bigg Market.

However, the number of fans gathering means they will likely stretch back to Grey’s Monument, a spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said.

In October, flares and bottles were thrown as PSG supporters clashed with Magpies fans before that fixture.

A council spokesperson said: “Champions League football has brought a welcome boost to the city in terms of enjoyment and economic activity. Like all fans the Milan fans will get a warm Geordie welcome.

“The city has a lot to offer at this time of the year and whether people are coming in for the football, Christmas shopping or Christmas markets everyone will be made to feel safe and welcome.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during a training session in Newcastle on Tuesday 12 December. Credit: PA

"We have worked with the police and transport operators to minimise disruption that the match may cause but inevitably there will be some short-term inconvenience due to temporary road closures and some re-routing of bus services which we have advertised on social media.

“We expect slightly higher visitor numbers than normal in the city centre, so the Milan fans have agreed to begin their parade further up Blackett Street than in previous games, just before the Eldon Square bridge. Fans however may still stretch as far back as the Monument for a short period.

“We will be communicating with licensees ahead of the game to ensure they are aware of the parade which will be closely monitored. Policing will be proportionate, monitoring will be in place, and officers will be on hand to keep any disruption to a minimum. Anyone who sees anything suspicious should speak to an officer on duty.”

Road closures

A number of roads in the city centre will be closed between around 5pm and 6:15pm before the match, which kicks off at 8pm. These include parts of Blackett Street, Percy Street, Leazes Park Road, Terrace Place and Leazes Terrace.

Chief Supt Mark Hall, of Northumbria Police, added: “Football fans here in the North East are among the most passionate in the country and I know there’ll be a lot of excitement among some groups of supporters about Newcastle’s final home fixture in this group against AC Milan on Wednesday, December 13.

“This region is renowned for being a friendly and welcoming place and these matches are an opportunity for everyone to showcase that on a European scale. As ever, we will be working with our partners and there will be a proportionate policing operation in place. Our overriding priority is the safety of those attending, as well as everyone in the wider city centre.

“Our officers will be on hand to help keep any disruption to a minimum. Anyone with any concerns, or who sees anything suspicious, is encouraged to speak to an officer on duty.”

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