Newcastle have had to step in and stop autograph hunting outside their training ground after one fan was nearly hit by a player.
Earlier in the day the club put out an official statement asking supporters to stop gathering outside of the training ground complex.
“To ensure the safety of all supporters, players, staff and members of the public, we are asking people to avoid gathering at our training centre entrance and surrounding roadways,” a statement said on the club’s website.
“The only entrance for players, staff, deliveries and construction vehicles to the current training centre site is a narrow, single public lane that is shared by vehicles and pedestrians.
“As the number of people gathering at the training centre increases, so too does the risk of serious injury with so many vehicles and people sharing a small space.
“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.”
The Magpies added: “To support public safety, we have instructed players and coaches not to stop their vehicles upon entry or exit. We do not take this step lightly.
“We value the incredibly strong connection that exists between supporters and our players and coaches. But safety must come first, and we trust our fans will support the club, players and staff by adhering to this request.
“We will continue to organise opportunities for supporters to meet the players through the season, which will be communicated through newcastleunited.com and official channels.”
And the Daily Mail claims that it was a ‘near-miss’ outside the Darsley Park complex which left a senior player ‘alarmed’.
The Mail adds that the ‘near-miss’ this week was raised with staff, leading to the club’s action.
Newcastle’s training ground under construction
Things have become more dangerous since the summer when work began on the expansion and renovation of the Darsley Park training ground.
The narrow lane is now used by construction vehicles and the club have considered taking action for some time.
Work on the complex in Benton was approved in August with the club’s owners planning 1,350 square metres of new accommodation, offices, meeting spaces and support facilities.
Over £10million has already gone into the project and been spent on a canteen, auditorium, plunge pools and a games room.
The club expects the expansion and renovation to be finished by the summer of 2026.