Newcastle United issues safety plea to fans

Newcastle United's training ground is a popular spot with autograph hunters

Newcastle United fans have been asked to avoid gathering at the entrance to the club's training ground, with a warning they are risking their own and others' safety.

The only entrance to the Benton facility was a single public lane used by vehicles and pedestrians and "as the number of people gathering at the training centre increases, so too does the risk of serious injury", the Premier League club said.

Supporters had also been approaching players' cars when they stopped at traffic lights on a busy nearby road, it said.

The club declined to comment on reports the warning was issued after an autograph hunter was almost hit by a player's car earlier in the week.

In a statement posted on its website and social media accounts, the club explained: "As crowds gather, people are stepping into the lane and creating a risk to their own safety and to road users.

"Individuals also continued to pose a risk to themselves and others by entering busy roads to approach players' vehicles while at traffic lights up to a kilometre away.

"To support public safety, we have instructed players and coaches not to stop their vehicles upon entry or exit."

The club added that while it valued "the incredibly strong connection that exists between supporters and players and coaches...safety must come first".

It pledged to continue organising opportunities for fans to meet players over the course of the season, with details announced on its website and other official channels.

Expansion plans

Plans to extend and renovate the Darsley Park site were approved earlier this year by North Tyneside Council.

The club's aim includes 1,350 sq m (1,4531 sq ft) of new-build accommodation focusing on office, meeting space and support facilities.

It will also see existing buildings rearranged to provide further treatment spaces and staff support areas, alongside improved front-of-house facilities and a bigger players' lounge.

More than £10m has already been injected, which has paid for a new canteen, auditorium, plunge pools and a games room.

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