‘Incredibly concerned’ - MP shares heartfelt message to Newcastle United club captain Jamaal Lascelles

A local MP has said she is 'incredibly concerned' over reports that Newcastle United club captain Jamaal Lascelles was allegedly attacked outside a nightclub in the city centre.

Footage of what appeared to be a violent altercation outside the Chinawhite club in Newcastle circulated online earlier this week with concerned Magpies supporters speculating that Lascelles had been involved in the brawl.

The Press Association then reported that the centre-back had been punched in the back of his head and one of his group knocked unconscious during the attack on August 20. A video also appeared to show the player almost being hit by a bottle of vodka and reports claimed a member of the group had been threatened with being shot.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne Central MP and Newcastle United fan Chi Onwurah has now condemned the attack and shared support for Lascelles and his family. Ms Onwurah said: "Incredibly concerned to hear reports #NUFC captain Jamaal Lascelles was attacked in Newcastle City Centre. My thoughts are with him, his family & all impacted by this totally unacceptable behaviour. I have asked police to keep me updated on the incident."

Newcastle United supporters online also condemned the attack as footage circulated and shared concern for the welfare of the player.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said there was a report of disorder involving several people in Westgate Road in the early hours of 20 August. A statement read: "Officers attended, however it is believed that those involved had already left the scene before they arrived."

Lascelles has been at Newcastle United since arriving from Nottingham Forest in 2014 at the age of 23 and has racked up 225 appearances for the club. The defender has fallen out of the starting XI under Eddie Howe but has maintained the club captaincy for his influence off-the-pitch with Kieran Trippier leading the team on the field.