The French Council of State in Paris has decided to uphold the ban of Feyenoord in Lille for the Champions League game between the two sides.
Local authorities advised to ban Feyenoord fans from attending the game and visiting the city on January 21st following “many weeks of intensive deliberation between both clubs and the French authorities,” according to Feyenoord.
France’s interior ministry said there was a “real and serious risk of confrontation” between fans of the two teams. Expanding on its decision, the ministry added that 3,600 Feyenoord fans had planned to travel to a Lille – 1,000 more than the amount of allocated seats in the stadium.
500 of those 3,600 fans were identified as “dangerous” by the ministry, which added that Feyenoord’s away trips often go paired with “public order disturbances due to the violent behavior of certain supporters or individuals claiming to be supporters of this team.”
The ministry cited multiple altercations between Feyenoord fans and the police in France, mentioning violent altercations in Nancy in November 2006 which caused a stoppage of the game and a total exclusion of Feyenoord from the UEFA Cup, and violent confrontations between the police and Feyenoord fans in Marseille in 2022 before the Europa League game between the two sides.
‘Extremely disappointed’
The Dutch club was due to bring 2,000 fans with them to the city in Northern France and delivered a “detailed plan” for bringing those supporters in a “safe and responsible manner” to Lille.
Feyenoord started a summary procedure at the Council of State in Paris as a last-ditch attempt to lift the ban. The administrative supreme court upheld the ban on Tuesday.
“Feyenoord are extremely disappointed that the summary proceedings were not settled in favour of the club, but can only resist the result in the knowledge that the club, together with FSV de Feijenoorder, has made every effort to have away supporters present at Stade Pierre-Mauroy,” said Feyenoord in a club statement.
Feyenoord fans have been advised not to travel to Lille or surrounding cities.
Paris court upholds Feyenoord ban: No fans allowed in Lille for Champions League
In a controversial decision, a Paris court has ruled in favor of banning Feyenoord fans from attending their Champions League match against Lille. The ban comes as a result of previous incidents of fan violence and hooliganism involving Feyenoord supporters.
Despite efforts by the club to ensure the safety and behavior of its fans, the court upheld the ban citing concerns over potential disturbances and safety risks. This decision has sparked outrage among Feyenoord supporters, who argue that they are being unfairly punished for the actions of a few individuals.
The club has expressed disappointment in the ruling but has vowed to respect the decision and cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe and peaceful match. Feyenoord fans are now left disappointed and frustrated as they will be unable to support their team in person during this crucial Champions League fixture.
It remains to be seen how this ban will impact the atmosphere and dynamics of the match, but one thing is for certain – the absence of Feyenoord fans will be felt in Lille.
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