The good news arrived this Thursday in the form of a prefectural decree relating to “supervision measures” for supporters during the match between Lens and Paris, Sunday evening (8:45 p.m.), for the 17th day of Ligue 1. Unlike last season, this is indeed not a travel ban order for Parisians.
Even if the trip will be very supervised, it is therefore a thousand Parisians who will be authorized to take place in the stands at Bollaert, including 600 members of the CUP (Collectif Ultras Paris). The association is delighted with this news.
The CUP had taken the initiative in mid-December to write to the prefecture to highlight “the cordial understanding” between its members and the ultra Lensois of the Red Tigers. In support of their request, they recalled that last season, the Lensois had agreed to deploy a banner in the empty visitor parking lot. And that the Parisians had in turn had several gestures of solidarity for the Lensois banned in turn from moving to the Parc des Princes in April.
While recalling the existence of certain risks, the prefecture therefore responded to the Parisian request. Nearly 38,000 people will therefore attend this shock of the 17th day between the leader and his runner-up even if seven points separate the two teams since the draw conceded by Lens in Nice (0-0) this Thursday.
“The presence of our supporters is a strong signal for our players”, rejoiced Christophe Galtier this Friday.