French authorities have reported that dozens of Feyenoord fans were banned from traveling to Lille for the final Champions League group game between the two clubs. The Prefecture du Nord, representing the French state in the Lille region, disclosed that 64 fans of the Dutch team were denied entry to France, with 17 individuals being arrested and taken into custody.
During border checks, police officers confiscated pyrotechnic devices and various objects that could potentially be used as weapons. The French interior ministry highlighted a 'real and serious risk of confrontation' between fans of both teams, prompting the travel ban ahead of the match at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Authorities pointed out that Feyenoord's travels have often been marred by public order disturbances attributed to the violent behavior of certain supporters or individuals claiming to be supporters of the team. They referenced past incidents of fan violence, including violent clashes between Marseille and Feyenoord fans outside the Stade Velodrome stadium in May 2022, and similar incidents in Lille city center during a match against Bulgarian side Levski Sofia in the Europa League back in 2010.
These recent events underscore the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing fan behavior and ensuring public safety during high-profile sporting events. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures and effective enforcement strategies to prevent violence and maintain order in and around sports venues.
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