Newcastle fan, 58, rushed to hospital in Milan after being STABBED in the back

A Newcastle fan was reportedly ambushed and stabbed last night by a group knife-wielding thugs in Milan, on the eve of their side's clash with AC Milan in the Champions League.

The British man, 58, was reportedly attacked by seven or eight men at around midnight in a neighbourhood near the centre of the city.

Italian news outlet Milano Today has also reported that the supporter was saved by police before immediately being rushed to hospital.

The report from Milano Today also claims that it is not yet known what the motive for the attack was while nothing was stolen from the victim.

Other reports on social media claimed a group of Magpies supporters were heading back to their hotel from an area where fans had gathered before they were jumped from behind and attacked with knives.

One social media user claimed the group that were attacked 'are OK' while a picture from another account appeared to show one bloodied man being attended to by medics.

Mail Sport understands that Newcastle are aware of the reports and are in contact with the local authorities.

Over 5,000 Newcastle fans are in the Italian city to cheer on Eddie Howe's side against AC Milan tonight.

Newcastle, who have not played in the Champions League since 2003, kick off their European campaign at the San Siro, one of football's most iconic stadiums, in what promises to be an extremely difficult group - which also includes Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund - to progress from.

Newcastle's arrival in Milan for their opening Group F game was also delayed as bad weather in Italy meant their plane could not take off on schedule.

Had the Premier League outfit arrived on time, they would have done so in torrential rain as thunderclouds gathered over the Italian city as