ASSE returns to Ligue 1 this weekend when it hosts RC Lens. Having just won against Auxerre, Olivier Dall’Oglio’s men must now continue with the reception of RC Lens this Saturday (7 p.m.). The party promises to be great in the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium.
First closed window for ASSE
The Stéphanois should benefit from significant support this weekend. Already pumped up by a Geoffroy-Guichard packed with 30,000 supporters, the Chaudron will experience its first sold out of the season this Saturday.
“Being able to win in front of a full stadium, it was just an experience that I will always remember.”, testified Ben Old after the victory against Auxerre. “So I’m very happy that we were able to win and to have experienced that with the fans. It was incredible.” With more than 20,000 subscriptions sold this season, the supporters constitute a real driving force for Olivier Dall’Oglio’s players. “We need to have all our assets and this one is essential. It’s just something more for us. It gives a lot of energy,” says the coach about the fervor around the club.
A prefectural decree has been issued
A joint press release from the Stéphanois and Lensois groups last week asked the prefecture for wisdom and discernment regarding possible restrictions. “It is essential to allow supporters to express their support for their teams. Restrictive measures would be unfair and would not allow supporters to fully experience their passion in dignified and respectful conditions.” can we read.
Efforts in vain. According to information from France Bleu, only a maximum of 1,200 Lensois supporters should be authorized to join the Geoffroy-Guichard parking lot. A figure far from the 2,000 hoped for by the various groups and associations. “With this call, we hoped for a little more”admits Jean-Guy Riou for France Bleu, president of the Union of Stéphanois Supporters. “With other clubs, we would have understood supervisory measures, but not with Lens. (…) It’s frankly a shame.”
The Cauldron should therefore not be completely full this Saturday.
