A decision irritates supporters before Saint-Etienne

In two weeks, the match between AS Saint-Étienne and Olympique de Marseille will reignite one of the greatest rivalries in French football. However, this long-awaited meeting will be tarnished by the travel ban imposed on Marseille supporters. This draconian decisiontaken by the Loire prefecture, raised strong criticism and rekindled tensions between the two camps.

A historic rivalry marked by unfortunate incidents

The prefecture justifies this measure by invoking past clashes between supportersnotably the attack on Saint-Etienne supporters in 2019, as well as an attack on Marseille supporters in 2020. These incidents have left deep traces and fueled distrust of the authorities. However, Marseille fans denounce an excessive decision which unfairly deprives them of attending one of the classics of the championship.

Security fears at the heart of the controversy

Beyond the regrettable precedents, the prefecture also mentions the risk of attacks on the road leading to the stadium. This justification raises questions about the ability of law enforcement to ensure the safety of supporters. Marseille fans question this argument, believing that appropriate measures could allow their presence in “the Cauldron”the legendary lair of the Greens.

A hard blow for Marseille supporters

This ban is unfortunately not an isolated case for OM fans. They had already been deprived of a trip to Nantes earlier in the season. These repeated restrictions arouse incomprehension and frustration among supporters, who feel unfairly punished for the actions of a minority. Despite these obstacles, Olympique de Marseille, currently third in the championshiphopes to count on the support of its fans at home to continue its great season.