Strict surveillance on the transfer of Paris Saint-Germain fans to Auxerre this Friday evening. ahead of the opening match of the 14th day of Ligue 1, the Parisians will travel to Abbé-Deschamps, they will be supported by around 880 fans, including 600 ultras, the federation announced on Thursday. Yonne Police Headquarters.
In addition to a meeting point set for 7pm at the exit of the A6 motorway, from which the convoy organized by the capital club will be monitored by the police, access to the city center of Auxerre was prohibited “to anyone deemed to be PSG fan or behave like one” from 4pm on Friday until 1am on Saturday.
To justify the decision regarding this match, rated 2 out of 5 in terms of risk of disturbing public order by the National Division for the Fight against Hooliganism (DNLH), the prefecture cites the recent history between the two clubs.
The feared autonomous hooligan movement
Among thes,in particular,there are the anti-Qatar banners deployed by Auxerre fans at the Parc des Princes,on 13 November 2022 and 21 May 2023 in Abbé-Deschamps. “The provocations of the Ultras auxerre fans against the state shareholder of PSG can be perceived as an affront by the Parisian Ultras fans,” writes the prefecture.
“Hooligan supporters, whose groups are not recognized by PSG, coudl travel to Auxerre due to its proximity to the Paris region, to seek confrontation with AJA supporters,” estimates the prefecture. “It is therefore appropriate to avoid any meeting, even fortuitous” between these two groups.
This is a reminder that on October 30, 2022, during a match between Auxerre and… Ajaccio, “Auxerre fans suffered attacks and thefts committed by Parisian fans”. Ditto on August 16, 2021, after an FC-AJA match in Paris: “around fifty hooded people, including members of the INdep Virage Auteuil, a group of Parisian hooligans, faced the Auxerre Ultras outside the Charléty stadium” .
How do historical rivalries between clubs influence fan behavior and security measures at matches?
Interview: Tackling Hooliganism in Football – Insights from Our Expert
In anticipation of the match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Auxerre,we sit down with Dr. Marie Dupont, a sports sociology expert specializing in fan behavior and security management in football. We explore the implications of the strict measures imposed by authorities to ensure public order during this high-stakes encounter.
Q: Dr. Dupont, could you explain the importance of the heightened surveillance for the PSG-Auxerre match?
Dr. Dupont: Absolutely. The decision to impose strict surveillance for the transfer of PSG fans to Auxerre is a clear response to the perceived threat of hooliganism.With around 880 PSG supporters, including a significant number of ultras, the authorities recognize the potential for conflict based on historical tensions between the clubs. Given the recent provocative actions of Auxerre fans, the heightened police presence aims to mitigate risks and maintain public order.
Q: The National Division for the Fight against Hooliganism rated this match as a 2 out of 5 in terms of risk.What does this classification imply?
Dr. Dupont: A rating of 2 out of 5 indicates a moderate risk level.This classification considers past incidents, such as encounters where Parisian fans attacked Auxerre supporters. By categorizing the event in this manner,authorities signal the seriousness of the situation while also emphasizing that precautions are necessary to prevent potential clashes.
Q: How have historical interactions between these two clubs influenced current security measures?
Dr. Dupont: The history of confrontation between PSG and Auxerre is crucial. Events such as Auxerre fans displaying anti-Qatar sentiment at matches have escalated tensions, leading to fears that PSG ultras might retaliate. Past incidents, including assaults and vandalism, underscore the need for preemptive measures to avoid “fortuitous meetings” that could lead to violence.
Q: What can you tell us about the mention of autonomous hooligan groups in relation to this match?
Dr.Dupont: The prefecture’s concerns about autonomous hooligan movements are well-founded. These groups, which operate outside the conventional supporter frameworks, could feel emboldened by the proximity of Auxerre to the Paris region. With no direct recognition from PSG, they may be more likely to seek confrontation, creating a volatile situation that necessitates strict access controls to the city center around the match.
Q: What practical advice could you offer to football clubs in light of these hooliganism concerns?
Dr. Dupont: Clubs need to foster positive fan engagement to combat hooliganism effectively. This includes open dialogues with supporter groups, educational initiatives that promote sportsmanship, and collaborations with law enforcement to ensure the safety of both home and away fans. Additionally, creating an inclusive atmosphere can deter the negative elements that attract hooligan behavior.
Q: Lastly, what do you think this situation suggests about the future of football fan culture in France?
Dr.Dupont: The ongoing challenges of managing fan behavior indicate a crucial juncture for football fan culture in France. It’s imperative that clubs, authorities, and fans work together to reshape perceptions of supporter culture. Only through proactive measures can we promote a safe, enjoyable surroundings for all fans while respecting the passionate nature of football.
as tensions continue to simmer in the realm of professional football, the actions taken for the PSG-Auxerre match serve as a critical case study in managing fan safety and ensuring that the beautiful game remains a source of joy and community.