Newcastle United co-owner issues 35-word message after Marseille defeat
Newcastle United co-owner Jamie Reuben has sent a short message to supporters following the defeat to Marseille.
Jamie Reuben has sent a message to the 3,200 Newcastle United fans who travelled to watch the 2-1 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League.
The match did not kick off until 9pm local time, but Newcastle supporters were herded into the Stade Velodrome hours before following a mandatory police escort.
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Fans gathered at Place de la Joliette from 11am before getting direct trains to the stadium from 4:30pm. And it wasn’t until after midnight that fans returned to their accommodation after being held inside the ground for around an hour after full-time.
Newcastle United co-owner Jamie Reuben sends message to fans
Eddie Howe’s side were unable to reward the travelling fans with a result. Harvey Barnes gave Newcastle the lead after six minutes but a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace just after half-time inflicted a fourth successive away defeat.
Taking to social media after the game, Newcastle co-owner Reuben acknowledged the difficulties supporters faced and thanked them for their support.
Reuben said: “Supporters who made the game, I know neither the result and certainly not the logistics were great but I want to thank you for making the trip and hope you have a safe journey home.”
Bruno Guimaraes praises Newcastle United fans
When reflecting on the defeat, captain Bruno Guimaraes made reference to the travelling supporters.
The Brazilian said: “We cannot play one game perfect, and the second game is slow. Like I said, I think we were not that bad. I think the first half we were good, but when we have the ball, we create opportunities. We have to be clinical as well.
“If we score for 2-0, I don't think we would lose the game but the way we started the second half is very disappointing for me and very sad for the way we started the game.
“It was a great atmosphere. Our fans were always there, supporting us, so, it's a tough one to accept. But like I said, we will have another opportunity on Saturday to improve our away performance in the Premier League.”