Newcastle respond to reports of sickening knife attack on fan ahead Champions League clash with AC Milan

Newcastle United have reacted after a fan was reportedly stabbed in Milan the night before their Champions League return.

Eddie McKay, who is 58 years of age, is now stable in hospital after being attacked by men in balaclavas.

A statement from his daughter, Rachel, said: «My dad is stable but in shock.

»He is gutted he's missing the match but just wants every other Newcastle fan out there to be aware of this and be safe.

«He just had two knee replacements so he fell when he was being chased and that is when he was attacked. I'm flying out there.»

The Magpies face AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday evening with supporters travelling in their thousands to support their team in Europe's top competition.

A club spokesperson said: “We are deeply concerned by reports that a supporter was seriously assaulted in Milan on Monday evening and we are liaising with local authorities to understand the circumstances.

“Our thoughts are with the supporter and their family and we hope for a full and speedy recovery.”

Lee Clark also appeared on talkSPORT to discuss the incident, saying: «It’s very sad. This is not how we wanted to start our first Champions League campaign in 20 years with this sort of news.

“The excitement around the city has been unbelievable and everybody has been looking forward to this since the draw was made and to wake up to this news that one of the fans has been attacked and stabbed is not what we wanted to hear.

“Everyone from the Newcastle United family, the club and the supporters, wish the fan a speedy recovery and hope that everything is alright.”

“This is one of the issues that whenever an English club goes into Europe we see these incidents. They’re isolated incidents and from the minority, but we don’t want any at