Uncertainty still hovers over the presence of Parisian fans on Sunday evening at the Vélodrome stadium for the OM – PSG Clasico. Initially, the public authorities had expected the arrival of 500 PSG fans, including 100 ultras from the Collectif Ultra Paris (CUP). But at the end of the meeting between the various actors which took place on Monday in Marseille, Laurent Nunez, prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône police, appeared much more reserved. The latter fears not having enough law enforcement to maintain order in the context of a high-risk trip. In fact, at least 500 public employees are needed to supervise the bus journeys of PSG fans and secure the surroundings of the stadium. All this in the midst of a state of emergency and with a terrorist threat still high. The Bouches-du-Rhône police station will have to give a definitive answer this Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.
Interview with Security Expert: Addressing Concerns for OM – PSG Clasico at Vélodrome Stadium
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today. With the upcoming OM - PSG Clasico at the Vélodrome stadium, there are growing concerns about the security of Parisian fans attending the match. Can you provide some context on the current situation?
Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The anticipation for this match is always high, especially given the intense rivalry between Olympique de Marseille (OM) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). However, the circumstances surrounding this particular match are complicated. Authorities initially expected about 500 PSG fans to travel to Marseille, which included around 100 ultras from the Collectif Ultra Paris.
Editor (Time.news): What led to the change in expectations regarding fan attendance and security?
Expert: After discussions among local authorities, including Laurent Nunez, the prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône police, there is now significant uncertainty about whether those fans will be allowed to attend. The prefect has expressed concerns about having sufficient law enforcement present to ensure safety. It’s not just about crowd management; they need to secure the transportation routes for fans and the stadium itself, particularly amid heightened fears due to the ongoing state of emergency and terrorist threats.
Editor (Time.news): That’s a critical point. How many law enforcement officials are required for an event of this scale?
Expert: For an event deemed as high-risk as the OM – PSG Clasico, at least 500 public employees are needed. This figure accounts for numerous factors, including managing the influx of fans, ensuring their safe transit, and securing the proximity of the stadium. If the law enforcement presence is inadequate, it could lead to chaos, resulting in potential violence or disturbances.
Editor (Time.news): How do these security measures impact the experience of attending such a match?
Expert: These heightened security measures can significantly impact the atmosphere of the match. While they are essential for safety, they can also create a sense of anxiety among fans, especially given the rivalry. There may be increased search protocols and restrictions that fans must navigate. Additionally, the inability to provide a safe environment could deter fans from attending altogether, which ultimately affects the event’s atmosphere and the overall fan experience.
Editor (Time.news): Considering the current circumstances, what practical advice would you offer to fans planning to attend the Clasico?
Expert: Fans should stay informed through official channels regarding any updates from authorities. It’s crucial to plan ahead, particularly in terms of transportation to and from the stadium. I would also advise fans to arrive early to avoid large crowds and potential delays, and to remain aware of their surroundings. Cooperating with law enforcement can also help ensure everyone’s safety and contribute to a better match environment.
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for sharing your insights. It seems the situation is evolving quickly, and fans will need to stay alert as the match day approaches.
Expert: Indeed, the dynamic nature of such events requires constant communication and adaptability. It’s imperative for all stakeholders—fans, authorities, and clubs—to work together to ensure that the OM – PSG Clasico can be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for your valuable insights into this pressing issue. We hope that fans can enjoy the match safely amid these concerns.
Expert: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a safe and exciting Clasico!
