2023-10-14 20:11:13
The first temperatures worthy of a month of October could have cooled the supporters of the teams qualified for the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup. But it takes a lot more to dissuade Irish or Welsh people from partying in the huge Concorde fan zone. Not even the activation, this Friday, October 13, by Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne of the “emergency attack” following the knife attack which cost the life of a professor in Arras (Pas-de-Calais). A device which involves the mobilization of 7,000 soldiers from the Sentinel force by Monday evening and “until further notice”.
“It’s true that there are a few more police officers around the area. We also see some wandering around inside. Afterwards, is it linked to Arras or because we are entering the big matches? I don’t know,” asks a restaurateur who has been present on Place de la Concorde since the start of the World Cup. “Obviously, I thought about the attack when I arrived this morning,” confides the person in charge of an event.
Outside, a volunteer explains not having received any specific instructions that could be linked to the emergency attack. “We were just asked to be attentive, in case we saw anything fishy, but that’s all. » At the entrance, bags are inspected and security guards use metal detectors. “I found the search a little limited,” admits a supporter who came with his family from Savoie that same morning.
Under a sky oscillating between clouds and sun, Place de la Concorde was busy this Saturday. LP/Flavien Gagnepain
For the majority of fans present at the foot of the Obelisk, coming to the fan zone seems obvious. “What happened yesterday doesn’t change anything at all for us,” explains his brother Antoine. To be honest, I didn’t even ask myself the question. I was planning to come, I came. »
A state of mind shared by Irish supporters, who came in numbers to see their team’s match against the All Blacks at 9 p.m. ” I am not afraid. Attacks like yesterday are isolated cases, although it is unfortunate,” says Paul. His wife Dee confirms: “We have confidence in the security here. »
A day (almost) like any other
Inside the oval-shaped area, the atmosphere is friendly. An hour and a half before the first quarter between the Welsh and the Argentinians, the first beers are poured and the fans are enjoying the remixes of the DJ present on the stage. We play ball and laugh, while a few hours earlier, the neighboring Louvre museum was evacuated after a bomb threat.
Owen and Jerry wouldn’t have missed the quarter against the Argentinians for anything in the world. LP/ Flavien Gagnepain
“Rugby is about being together!” So we would have come in any case. There are attacks everywhere,” says Owen, a Welsh supporter. “Yes, there are a lot of law enforcement officers. But that’s it for all sporting events. I remember the London Games or the World Cup in England, it was the same,” compares his friend Jerry.
“If we start to stop gathering, the fanatics win. »
Ryan, Irish supporter
As the first drops of rain fall on the Concorde, some learn of the evacuation of the Palace of Versailles, again for a bomb threat. However, the supporters almost don’t care. “In Ireland, we are used to bomb threats,” Michael, 64, tries to say ironically. More seriously, we are a little more vigilant, that’s for sure. But this kind of event shouldn’t stop us from coming, show must go on! »
“We weren’t even aware that the Louvre had been evacuated. But we must not let this happen. If we start to stop gathering, the fanatics win. That’s what they want,” concludes Ryan, Clover XV jersey on his back.
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