Newcastle fans advised to stay away from Anderlecht during Union match

Newcastle United football club has advised its supporters to avoid the neighbourhood around Lotto Park, the stadium of RSC Anderlecht Football Club, when the club plays Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) there next week.

USG and Newcastle United will face each other on Wednesday 1 October at 18.45 in the second match of the Champions League group stage.

Because USG's own stadium, Joseph Marien in Forest, does not meet Uefa standards, the club had to find an alternative venue.

That was the King Baudouin Stadium last year, but the poor quality of the pitch sparked criticism and embarrassment. This season’s home games are being held at the Lotto Park instead, home to fellow Brussels club RSC Anderlecht.

The travel information that Newcastle United is now providing to its supporters includes advice to avoid the area around the stadium both before and after the match.

The English club does not give a specific reason for this, but reports claim it could be related to the shootings that have taken place in the municipality in recent months. There have been 64 shootings in Brussels since the beginning of the year, a number of which occurred in Anderlecht.

“Local authorities have indicated that Newcastle United supporters should gather at the Bourse, in the city centre, where they can find many bars and restaurants,” reads the English club's website.

“Supporters who do not have a ticket for the match are advised to stay in that area during the match.”

To reach Lotto Park from the city centre, Newcastle supporters with a ticket for the match can use public transport. A specially-provided metro will take them from the De Brouckere underground station to the Veeweyde underground station within walking distance of Lotto Park.