Newcastle fan jumps into Milan canal and chases row boat as pals cheer him on

A Newcastle fan jumped into a canal to race some local rowers to the delight of his fellow supporters.

The bold supporter stripped down to his boxers as the sun beamed down on the jubilant crowd before their contest against AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday afternoon. The Toon Army had lined the streets beside the Naviglio Grande – and had to cheer on their man.

Having leapt into the famous Lombardy canal, he tried and failed to keep up with a four-man rowing boat as the locals looked perplexed. The swimmer slowed down before trying to clamber out, hours before their fixture was due to kick-off.

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Eddie Howe's men drew seven-time European Cup winners Milan, PSG and Borussia Dortmund in a Champions League 'group of death' after finishing fourth last season.

Fans were delighted to be back in the big time and taking on some of the biggest names on the continent, with their 3,500 tickets for the opening game selling out in minutes.

Newcastle will be looking to build on their win over Brentford after a tricky start to the Premier League season with three defeats from five matches.

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The jubilant mood in Milan was marred by violence as a Newcastle fan was attacked by a group of men in the city centre.

Eddie McKay, 58, was taken to hospital in a stable condition after being stabbed, with the club releasing a statement.

It read: "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.

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

McKay’s daughter Rachel McKay told Sky Sports News: “My dad is stable and in a bit of shock. He’s gutted he’s missing the match, but just wants every other Newcastle fan out here to be aware and be safe.

“He has just had two knee replacements, so he fell when he was being chased and that is when he was attacked. My brother is OK but is in shock after seeing that happen to our dad. I’m flying out there later. We haven’t slept all night."

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