The big Elland Road change for Leeds United v Newcastle United after ‘scariest thing I’ve seen’ claim

Newcastle United fans have been informed of new entrance procedures and a new ticketing system ahead of this weekend's visit to Elland Road. The Magpies take on Leeds United in the Premier League at 12:30 pm on Saturday, in what is the side's first visit to the Yorkshire stadium since last January.

Newcastle won that fixture 1-0 in what was a vital jumpstart for the club's then relegation battle, but headlines from the match came off the pitch as supporters experienced a melee when trying to enter the away section of the ground.

Reports of spectators having to crawl under stewards - described as the ‘scariest thing one fan had seen at a game’ - and crushes in the ground resulted in an investigation being launched between West Yorkshire Police, Leeds United and the Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST).

Productive meetings between the groups resulted in changes being made at Elland Road and now the NUST is reminding fans of these ahead of the weekend. In a statement published online, NUST said: "Entrance procedures have changed at Elland Road since our last visit in January 2022. There is a new ticketing system in place for the 2022/23 season which is different to the game last year.

"There will be a designated entrance for those with tickets in the lower tier and those in the upper tier. These will be signposted on arrival at the away end and will be communicated by both LUFC and NUFC stewards.

"The away end can still be accessed via Elland Road as well as from the location where travelling buses will be parked. There will be a fan zone available for away fans (both upper and lower tiers) outside pre-match as well as concessions inside being open and selling food, soft drinks and alcohol."

After talks last year, a full report was published by NUST and West Yorkshire Police released a statement confirming that changes were to be made. Chief Superintendent Damien Miller, Leeds District Commander, said: “Our role in helping to ensure the safety of people attending football matches at Elland Road is something we take very seriously.

“We have worked with the club to support the review of the congestion issues that some away fans experienced at the game with Newcastle United. We are aware that the club has identified issues, primarily around the operation of the turnstiles and ticketing, and has put measures in place which the local authority Safety Advisory Group are satisfied with.

“We joined the club for its meeting with Newcastle United Supporters Trust and listened to their concerns. We are aware they and other visiting teams’ supporters’ groups have been updated by Leeds United about the measures now put in place to avoid any similar situation in future.”