Newcastle United Supporters Trust call for action to be taken after fans were crushed at Elland Road
Only one of the four turnstiles were working before the Magpies beat Leeds United 1-0 on Saturday
Last updated 25th Jan 2022
The Newcastle United Supporters Trust are calling for urgent action to be taken after fans were crushed attempting to enter the away end at Elland Road on Saturday.
It comes as after Newcastle match with Leeds at the weekend, eyewitnesses tell us they feared people would be injured after a crush occurred as fans attempted to make there way into Elland Road just before kick-off.
We have been told by supporters at the game that only one of the four away turnstiles were working which caused problems as around 500 supporters attempted to enter the ground.
Thomas Concannon, from the NUFC Supporters Trust, told Hits Radio North East a faulty turnstile and mismanagement at the ground lead to a scary situation which cannot happen again.
"It just feels as though the facilities at Eland road aren't adequate enough now for modern day football", Thomas said.
"Four turnstiles for 3000 fans, when something goes wrong it's an accident waiting to happen and we just hope improvements can be made for the future.
"It's vitally important that the fans are listened to here and that the experiences of those involved on Saturday are taken very very seriously and are used to make sure this doesn't happen again in the future.
"We just hope that after conversations with those that are responsible for this that things can improve and that this doesn't happen to another set of supporters and it doesn't happen to any other visit Newcastle United has to Elland Road."
A response from Leeds United
Leeds United have acknowledged the complaint and say they'll work with West Yorkshire Police to review safety measures at the ground.
In a statement, they said: "The club acknowledges the complaints raised by some Newcastle United supporters regarding issues experienced entering Elland Road on Saturday.
"Leeds United will now work with the Newcastle Supporters Trust, West Yorkshire Police and our own safety team to review the issues raised and ensure we continue to provide a safe environment for everyone attending our stadium.
We will not make any further comment until a review is complete."
Story of Newcastle United's takeover, so far...
7th October 2021: Newcastle United is bought for ÂŁ305m in Saudi Arabian backed takeover
7th October 2021: Newcastle United fans celebrate outside St James' Park
13th October 2021: Amnesty International demand meeting with Premier League over Owners and Directors test, following the Newcastle takeover. Concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights records, claims of 'sportswashing' their reputation
20th October 2021: Steve Bruce leaves position of Head Coach by mutual consent
8th November 2021: Eddie Howe confirmed as Newcastle's new Head Coach
47h January 2022: Kieran Trippier becomes Newcastle United's first signing since the takeover. The full back moved from Atlético Madrid for a reported fee of £12m.
History of Newcastle United:
Newcastle United F.C was founded in 1892 after Newcastle West End and Newcastle East End merged.
The Magpies play at St James' Park, a ground with a capacity of 52,305
Newcastle United have won 4 First Division titles, 4 Second Division/Championship titles. 6 FA Cups, 1 FA Charity Shield, 1 Sheriff of London Charity Shield, 1 Inter Cities Fairs Cup, 1 UEFA Intertoto Cup, 2 Texaco Cups and 1 Anglo-Italian Cup; the 9th highest total of trophies won by an English club.
Newcastle United's last major trophy win was in 1955 when they beat Manchester City 3-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
The clubs top goal scorer is Alan Shearer, who scored 206 goals in his 441 appearances. Shearer still holds the record for the most Premier League goals scored.
Newcastle United have spent 89 years in the top flight and have spent all but three seasons in the Premier League's history.
The Magpies were relegated to the Championship in 2009, and again in 2016, but gained promotion at the first time of asking on each occasion, returning to the Premier League, as Championship winners, in 2010 and 2017.
In October 2021 Newcastle United was bought for ÂŁ300 million by a consortium led by the Saudi Arabian government's sovereign wealth fund. The purchase made Newcastle the richest club in the Premier League.