Police have promised a “visible presence” in Newcastle city centre ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League tie, after some scenes of disorder before the last European fixture at St James’ Park.

Ahead of Newcastle United’s 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, trouble flared as rival supporters clashed with each other and the police following 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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It has been confirmed that another away fans’ march through the city centre is planned for the Magpies’ match against Borussia Dortmund, which will again see a number of busy city centre roads closed at rush hour on Wednesday.

Northumbria Police said there would 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.

The Northern Echo: PSG fans outside St James' Park in NewcastlePSG fans outside St James' Park in Newcastle (Image: PA MEDIA)

“As always, we will have a proportionate policing response in place which has been carefully considered alongside our partners. Our priority for large-scale events such as these is to help ensure that supporters and the wider public can enjoy the city in a safe environment.

“We will have officers in the city centre and around the ground to help keep any disruption to a minimum, as well as providing a visible policing presence. Anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer on duty. As always, if you see anything you feel isn’t right or looks suspicious, report it to us straight away.”

Newcastle City Council has confirmed a series of full or partial road closures between 5.15pm and 6.15pm on Wednesday to facilitate the Dortmund fan march – on the Bigg Market, Newgate Street, Grainger Street, Grey Street, Pilgrim Street, New Bridge Street West, Blackett Street, Percy Street, and Gallowgate.

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NUFC fans have been advised to plan their journeys to the match carefully, though the level of disruption to the region’s transport will be less severe than for the PSG game – which coincided with rail and bus strikes, as well as clashing with a Sunderland home game at the Stadium of Light.

A council spokesperson said: “We have been working closely with partners in the city to implement plans to keep people safe and make sure the focus is on ensuring everyone can enjoy another special Champions League night at St James’ Park.

“In addition to the usual matchday road closures, there will be other closures in place to accommodate a procession of visiting fans from the city centre to St James’ Park prior to kick off.

“Thankfully, we are not having to contend with any planned wider travel disruption as was the case for the previous Champions League fixture at St James’ Park, but would still encourage everyone to plan their journeys in advance.

“We will continue to work closely with the emergency services, travel operators and other partners and hope we can all experience another memorable night for Newcastle United and the city as a whole.”