A decree from the Ministry of the Interior published this Friday announces that OM fans will be banned from traveling on sunday evening as their team travels too the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium to face AS Saint-Étienne as part of matchday 14 of Ligue 1 .
According to a decree from the Ministry of the Interior published on Friday in the Official Journal, Olympique de Marseille fans will be prohibited from traveling on Sunday to attend the match between AS Saint-Etienne and OM valid for the 14th matchday of Ligue 1. “Sunday 8 December 2024 ,from zero to midnight,the individual or collective movements,by any means,of any person who declares himself or herself to be a fan of Olympique de Marseille or behaves as such,it is prohibited between the municipalities of the department of bouches-du-Rhône,on the one hand,and the municipality of Saint-Étienne (Loire),on the other”,writes Bruno Retailleau in this decree dated Wednesday. Retailleau justifies the measure with the “real and serious risk of clashes between the fans of the two clubs” during the match scheduled for Sunday at 8.45pm at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, as well as with the persistence of “disorders against public order and violent behavior of Saint-Etienne fans during ASSE matches against a club with which there is a particular rivalry.
In this regard, the ministerial decree specifies, “the relations between the supporters of the OM and the ASSE have been characterized by animosity for many years” and “this strong antagonism has resulted on several occasions in serious clashes which have required the intervention of the law enforcement”. Moreover, underlines the minister – whose government has in the meantime been overthrown – this ban comes at a time when the police will be mobilized “to guarantee other events”, in particular in Paris “for the inauguration of the Notre-dame cathedral, which will mobilize a part of the forces usually present in the region and redeployed in Ile-de-France This last topic was also highlighted in a second decree from the Ministry of the Interior published on Friday which prohibits the movement of Stade Rennais fans during Sunday’s match. against FC Nantes. The Loire-Atlantique prefecture had already issued a decree to this effect on Wednesday due to the “endemic antagonism” between the two clubs.
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How have similar travel bans affected fan culture and attendance in other European football leagues?
Interview: Editor of Time.news Discusses OM Fans Travel Ban wiht Sports Violence Expert
Q: Thank you for joining us today. Can you explain the recent decree by the Ministry of the Interior that bans Olympique de Marseille (OM) fans from traveling to Saint-Étienne for the Ligue 1 match? What prompted this decision?
A: Thank you for having me. The recent decree was driven by significant concerns regarding public safety and the potential for violent clashes between fans of Olympique de Marseille and AS Saint-Étienne. As stated, the relations between these two supporter groups have been marked by animosity for manny years. The authorities have cited a “real and serious risk” of disorder based on previous incidents which have required police intervention. This preventive measure reflects an effort to maintain public order and ensure the safety of all involved during a highly charged rivalry match.
Q: What are some of the historical tensions between OM and AS Saint-Étienne that have influenced this decree?
A: Historically, the rivalry between OM and ASSE has been intense, rooted in cultural and sporting pride. This antagonism has manifested in numerous clashes, with significant incidents causing injury and public disruption. This decree is a proactive step to minimize risks, especially since both clubs have passionate fan bases known for their fervent support and, at times, aggressive behavior. The Ministry’s action underscores the ongoing challenges in managing safety in football environments.
Q: How does this ban affect the perception of football in France, especially in the context of fan culture?
A: The ban raises critical questions about the balance between supporting a team and ensuring community safety. While passionate fan culture is integral to football, incidents of violence have tarnished its image in recent years.Such decrees can lead to a more significant societal debate regarding the obligation of clubs, fans, and authorities in fostering a safe sporting atmosphere. It can be seen as a necessary evil to protect those who wish to enjoy the game without fear.
Q: Given that the government is also busy with events like the Notre-Dame Cathedral inauguration, how does resource allocation impact policing in these situations?
A: This is a significant factor to consider. with police resources stretched thin, especially for major events requiring extensive security measures, the government must prioritize how to deploy its forces effectively. The decision to impose travel bans on fans could also stem from the need to ensure law enforcement is adequately staffed during high-profile events while still addressing safety concerns during league matches. It’s a complex balancing act between maintaining public order at multiple engagements.
Q: What advice would you offer to clubs and fan organizations to prevent such situations in the future?
A: Interaction and collaboration between clubs, fan organizations, and local authorities are crucial. Clubs should actively engage with their supporters to promote positive behavior and emphasize the importance of safety. Educational campaigns that highlight the impact of violence on the sport’s reputation can help. Additionally, fostering an habitat of respect and understanding between rival fan bases can mitigate tensions. Ultimately, creating an inclusive atmosphere that celebrates the sport without hostility is vital for the future of football culture in France.
Q: Thank you for your insights. Any final thoughts?
A: It’s vital for all stakeholders to recognize the power of sport to unite rather than divide. By promoting positive fan behavior and prioritizing safety, we can help cultivate a football culture that thrives on support, respect, and vibrancy rather than discord. The future of football in France will depend on collective efforts to work toward a better understanding and management of fan dynamics.