30 August 2023 , 09:14
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Newcastle are reportedly investigating the recent incident involving Jamaal Lascelles - after police issued a request for information.
Lascelles, 29, was allegedly involved in a city-centre brawl in Newcastle during the early hours of Sunday, August 20. It's believed the Newcastle skipper was acting in self defence after his 19-year-old brother was elbowed in the throat in an unprovoked attack.
Lascelles was reportedly on a night out with his brother and a friend following Newcastle's 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday night. The Englishman was on the bench for that game and hasn't featured in his team's Premier League campaign so far.
As first reported by the Daily Mail, Lascelles returned to Tyneside after the defeat to Man City, with manager Eddie Howe giving his players two days off. An onlooker said the defender pushed a man away after he attacked his brother without being provoked.
Between six to eight men were thought to have thrown punches at Lascelles before the emergency services arrived. It's believed the Newcastle captain's friend was taken to hospital after being 'kicked in the head and knocked unconscious'.
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The friend has since spoken to police about the fracas. It's also alleged the gang threatened to shoot Lascelles, who suffered an injury to his ear. It's believed no arrests have been made, but Northumbria Police have confirmed that 'enquires are ongoing'.
A spokesperson said: "Shortly after 4am on Sunday, August 20, we received a report of disorder involving a number of people on Westgate Road, in Newcastle city centre.
"Officers attended, however it is believed that those involved had already left the scene before they arrived. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should use the 'Tell Us Something' page of our website or call 101, quoting NP-20230820-0227."
Lascelles hasn't played in the Premier League this season (Getty Images)
Newcastle are investigating the incident involving the defender (right) (Twitter/@JosephBrownJrno)Lascelles started his career with Nottingham Forest before joining Newcastle in August 2014. He didn't make his debut for the Magpies until the following August after being loaned back to Forest for a season, but he's since played 225 games for the club.
The centre-back was appointed Newcastle's captain by Rafael Benitez in August 2016 following their relegation to the Championship. He led his team to the league title that season, securing an immediate return to the Premier League.
Lascelles was named as Newcastle's Player of the Year in 2018 but made just seven Premier League appearances last season after falling down the pecking order at St James' Park. Howe seems to prefer the partnership of Fabian Schar and Sven Botman.
Lascelles may struggle to win his place back at Newcastle after a Saudi-backed consortium completed a takeover of the club in October 2021. The Toon are now one of the richest clubs in the world, qualifying for this season's Champions League.
Mirror Football has contacted Newcastle United for comment.