Newcastle United fans have met German football supporters surrounded by a heavy police presence this evening ahead of the teams' Champion's League clash.
Thousands of football fans have taken to the streets of Newcastle this evening ahead of the magpie's match against Borussia Dortmund.
Pictures outside St James' Park show a heavy police presence as officers work to keep the fans divided as the hoard make their way to the stadium before kick-off at 8pm.
Our Chief Sports writer Scott Wilson is in Newcastle this evening for the game and has noted the "well-natured" atmosphere in the city.
He said: "Borussia Dortmund’s supporters have been enjoying themselves in Newcastle city centre all day ahead of their side’s Champions League game at St James’ Park this evening.
"The German club have brought over more than 3,000 travelling fans for tonight’s game, and the majority formed part of a large group that were escorted from the Bigg Market to St James’ ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
"The mood in Newcastle throughout the day has been extremely well-natured, with supporters from Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund mixing amicably.
"Tonight’s game is a huge one for Newcastle, who will be looking for a repeat of their 4-1 victory over Paris St Germain from earlier this month.
"If Eddie Howe’s side can record another notable European victory, they will be extremely well-placed to claim a spot in the Champions League knockout stages."
This comes weeks after Newcastle United’s 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain caused trouble as rival supporters clashed with each other and the police followed an away fans’ march.
While police had contained the marching PSG ‘Ultras’ for most of their parade up from the Bigg Market, there was a pocket of unrest near the stadium – with bottles and traffic cones being thrown.
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Ahead of tonight's game, Northumbria Police said there will be a “proportionate policing response” ahead of the game to ensure a “safe environment” for fans and other people working, socialising and shopping in the city centre.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, said: "There is understandably further widespread excitement for Newcastle’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund.
"We again expect the city to be busy with both home and away fans taking in the atmosphere."
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