Newcastle fans replace Chelsea flag in Baku bar ahead of Champions League tie

Fans of Newcastle United gathered in central Baku ahead of their side’s Champions League match against Qarabag FK, with some supporters removing a Chelsea FC flag from a pub wall and replacing it with their own club’s colours.

The incident took place in one of the city’s bars popular with visiting supporters. Videos circulating on social media showed Newcastle fans chanting and holding up their black-and-white flag.

According to the fans involved, the move was carried out with the permission of the venue’s owner. No damage or clashes were reported.

Around 2,000 British supporters are expected to attend the match, which will be played at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium later in the evening.

Newcastle and Chelsea share a long-standing Premier League rivalry, though the Magpies’ fiercest local rivals remain Sunderland.

N.Tebrizli