Sheffield Wednesday have responded to reports of overcrowding in the away end at Hillsborough during Saturday's FA Cup third-round clash with Newcastle.
With the English Football Association having sought the view of both clubs amid concern from the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, the Owls have confirmed they have made their submission to the governing body.
A statement on the club's official website said: "Further to a request from the Football Association on the afternoon of Monday 9 January, Sheffield Wednesday has now submitted its comprehensive observations to the governing body following last weekend's Emirates FA Cup third-round tie with Newcastle United.
"We have engaged in extensive dialogue with all relevant parties to review the circumstances to best assist the FA with their enquiries."
The statement continued: "Whilst it is inappropriate to outline in full the details of the submission at this time, the club feels it is important to emphasise that the stewarding numbers in place within the visitors' section of the stadium exceeded the requirements of the Safety Certificate.
"The allocation of tickets issued to Newcastle supporters also complied absolutely with the Safety Certificate.
"In addition, fewer supporters entered the visitors' turnstiles when aligned to the number of tickets allocated and sold. The turnstiles were opened 30 minutes earlier than a regular matchday, two hours before kick-off at 4pm, to allow Newcastle supporters to enter the stadium in a timely a manner as possible."
Images and footage on social media showed congestion around the exit to the tunnel in the Leppings Lane End, with a number of Newcastle fans claiming there was a lack of stewarding before kick-off.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries.
Hillsborough was the scene of Britain's worst sporting disaster when 96 Liverpool supporters were crushed to death in an over-crowded and fenced-in enclosure in the same lower tier before an FA Cup semi-final in 1989. One more victim died in July 2021, after suffering severe and irreversible brain damage.
The Sports Grounds Safety Authority, the British government's adviser on safety at sports venues, said on Tuesday it will review the incident with Wednesday and local officials.
"We are concerned by reports of overcrowding and crushing at the FA Cup tie between Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United at Hillsborough Stadium on Saturday evening," a spokesperson for the SGSA was quoted as saying by the BBC.
"The SGSA is now working with the club, Sheffield City Council and the Safety Advisory Group to review the event, learn any lessons and ensure a safe environment for football fans."
League One side Sheffield Wednesday beat Newcastle 2-1 to reach the FA Cup fourth round.
