A large police presence has gathered outside St James Park in Newcastle ahead of the much-anticipated Champions League match between Newcastle United and Paris Saint Germain on Wednesday (October 4).

Images of police officers and specialist riot police have been captured ahead of the Group F match, with both sets of fans appearing at the Newcastle stadium ahead of kick-off. 

The Northern Echo: A cone flies through the air in NewcastleA cone flies through the air in Newcastle (Image: PA MEDIA)

In the images, cones can be seen thrown, while police officers are seen standing between the rival fans - who are in a standoff with one another. 

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Fans also clashed at Grainger Street and Bigg Market, which saw bottles thrown and police formed a barrier between the supporters.

The Northern Echo Sports Editor Scott Wilson said: "It certainly feels like a big European night at St James’ Park now.

The Northern Echo: Fans and police presence outside the ground ahead of the UEFA Champions League Group F match at St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne.Fans and police presence outside the ground ahead of the UEFA Champions League Group F match at St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. (Image: PA MEDIA)

"Paris St Germain are known for having a large Ultras group, and the main body of travelling fans have just arrived at St James’ Park after being marched from the Monument, through the Bigg Market and up to St James’.

The Northern Echo: PSG fans before kick offPSG fans before kick off (Image: PA MEDIA)

"There was a sizeable police presence along the route, and while an occasional skirmish broke out between the PSG fans and Newcastle supporters lining their marching route, with an odd bottle being thrown and some flares being let off, the authorities just about managed to keep a lid on things.

"The PSG fans are making their way into St James’ now, where they’ll be hoping to drown out the home atmosphere, which promises to be electric as Newcastle stage a home Champions League game for the first time in more than 20 years."