It’s a real human tide. A few hours before the kick-off of the Liverpool-Real Madrid Champions League final at the Stade de France, the fan-zone installed at the Cours de Vincennes in Paris already brings together more than 30,000 English supporters. Impressive images: the square is red with people. The Reds, jerseys on their backs and flags on their shoulders, celebrate: songs, dance, hugs, selfies… the atmosphere is incredible, a real communion under a radiant sun and in front of the giant screens installed for the occasion. “Anything can happen tonight, I’m sure our team will win,” says a supporter from Cambridge. And the French beer is delicious! “.
A big security device
On the site, alcohol has been flowing since the beginning of the afternoon but the atmosphere remains good-natured. A couple from the West Midlands praised the very good organization of the fan zone: “here, the atmosphere is great”. Civil security keeps an eye on the grain and takes care of the few people who are already victims of discomfort. On the side of the Paris police headquarters, there are a dozen arrests related to street sales.
In Saint-Denis, at the gates of the Stade de France, it is the Spanish supporters with tickets who also set fire to the fan zone of the Parc de la Légion d’honneur. They were 6,000 gathered around 4 p.m. Since 5 p.m., the latter has been open to registered residents.