Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah is calling on the Government to carry out an urgent investigation into the safety of fans at Hillsborough Stadium.
It comes after Newcastle United fans reported issues with overcrowding at the ground as they watched the FA Cup match against Sheffield Wednesday on January 7. Newcastle supporters took to Twitter following the game to complain that they were struggling to get through the tunnel at the Leppings Lane End and reported there were very few stewards on hand to help guide crowds.
One fan said: "Was a disgrace. Loads, including us, being sent to the wrong turnstiles down the opposite end of the stand and fighting their way past each other to make kick off."
READ MORE: Glamorous Quayside restaurant loved by Wayne Rooney offers diners half price food in January
Another said: "This was absolutely chaos. No stewarding post the turnstiles and practically left to own devices. Ridiculous."
One supporter wrote: "I was in the centre of the lower tier and it was ridiculously crowded 10 minutes before kick off. The stairwell was filled with fans. When we arrived we asked the steward to point us in the right direction, he told us to go wherever we want! Unbelievable!"
Newcastle MP Ms Onwurah said action must be taken to ensure that another tragedy does not occur at Hillsborough.
"It is unacceptable that 34 years on from the Hillsborough disaster, at the same ground, at the same end, fans would experience safety issues and overcrowding," she said.
"When Newcastle fans faced safety issues at Elland Road less than a year ago, the Government told me that they were working with the SGSA to ensure fan safety. However, in light of the weekend's events, I have asked the Government to look urgently into supporter safety at Hillsborough to try to avoid any potential tragedy from occurring.
"The Culture Media and Sports Secretary should work with Newcastle fans, Sheffield Wednesday, and the FSA to provide a statement and improve supporter safety at football grounds.”
Meanwhile, PA news agency has reported that The Football Association is to speak to officials from both Newcastle United and Sheffield Wednesday after footage of the congestion issues around the exit to the tunnel in the Leppings Lane End was shared on social media.
Peter Scarfe, who runs the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance and was at the ground in 1989 when 97 Liverpool fans died, said Saturday’s scenes showed there were still problems.
“It's history repeating itself isn’t it? Lessons obviously haven’t been learned,” he told the PA news agency.
Sheffield Wednesday was contacted by Chronicle Live for comment.
READ NEXT:
- Meet the adorable six-year-old selling his toys to 'buy' Newcastle star Joelinton for his football team
- Gateshead mum slams Gentoo for failing to fix mouldy home that's 'making her kids sick'
- Mum diagnosed with terminal cancer after trip to Turkey for dental treatment vows to make memories in 2023
- The Newcastle DJ who has remixed the Lady Gaga track that's blown up on TikTok with help from Wednesday Addams
- 'I am a chef and this is the best place to go for Sunday lunch in the North East'
