A Newcastle United supporter has condemned what he calls the "senseless destruction" of his brand new car, which he alleges was deliberately scratched by Tottenham Hotspur fans following Tuesday's Premier League clash.
Match Day Vandalism on City Centre Street
Peter Drummond, a 55-year-old pub landlord and long-time season ticket holder, was sitting in his leased Volvo with his 18-year-old son when the incident occurred. The pair had decided to wait for traffic to ease on Diana Street in Newcastle city centre after the 2-2 draw at St James' Park on Tuesday, December 2.
Drummond described seeing a group of 30 to 40 Tottenham supporters walking past, singing. He initially perceived no malice, even smiling as they passed. The mood changed moments later when the driver of the Jaguar parked in front alerted him to the damage.
'An Embarrassment to Their Club'
Upon exiting his vehicle, Peter Drummond discovered a long, deep scratch running the length of his three-day-old car. The driver of the Jaguar and two women in another vehicle also reported similar vandalism.
"It's just pathetic," Drummond told ChronicleLive. "It's just senseless destruction. I don't understand them representing their football club then doing that. It's an embarrassment."
He expressed particular frustration at the cowardly nature of the act, which happened without his knowledge as he sat just feet away. "If I had heard them doing it I would have got out the car and had a go at them," he said, also voicing concern that a knife or other sharp object may have been used.
Police and Club Notified
Drummond, who runs The Engine Inn in Walbottle, has reported the incident to Northumbria Police and has also contacted Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. The police have confirmed they received reports of two damaged vehicles on Diana Street and intend to speak to the drivers involved.
The lifelong Newcastle fan contrasted this rare experience of trouble with the generally positive atmosphere he has witnessed over two decades of attending matches. "We are very lucky in Newcastle. I have had a season ticket for 20 years and I can count on one hand the amount of times I have seen any trouble," he stated.
The investigation into the deliberate vehicle damage is ongoing.
