UEFA Champions League Games: Feyenoord Fans Banned
In a move to prevent potential clashes between supporters, the French Council of State has upheld a ban on Feyenoord fans attending the upcoming UEFA Champions League game against Lille, citing concerns over violence and public safety.
The decision comes after Feyenoord's appeal to overturn the ban was rejected, with the French authorities referencing past incidents involving the club's supporters in France, including violent events in 2006 and 2022. The Feyenoord supporters' travel ban to Lille for the Champions League clash is a precautionary measure aimed at mitigating the risk of confrontations between fans from both teams.
According to the French authorities, out of the 3,600 Feyenoord fans expected to travel, approximately 500 are considered "high-risk" individuals, while an additional 1,000 fans are anticipated to arrive without tickets, potentially causing trouble. Despite Feyenoord's efforts to present a plan for safe and responsible fan transport to the city, the ban remains in place to ensure public safety and prevent any potential violence.
The ban on Feyenoord fans attending the Champions League game against Lille on January 21st serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining fan safety and preventing violence in high-profile sporting events. As the UEFA Champions League games continue, the focus on fan safety and responsible supporter behavior will remain a top priority for teams, authorities, and organizers.