Away supporters are part of what makes European atmospheres so great, but it will be more one sided than usual the next time Jonathan David and Lille take the pitch in the Champions League.
French authorities have prohibited Feyenoord fans from traveling to Lille for the upcoming UEFA Champions League group stage match on Matchday 8. In a statement released on Wednesday, France’s interior ministry expressed concerns about a “real and serious risk of confrontation” between the fans of both teams.
Scheduled for January 29 at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, the match has prompted the French government to issue the travel ban, citing a history of “public order disturbances” linked to the aggressive behavior of some Feyenoord supporters or those claiming to support the team. Several incidents of fan violence were referenced in their decision.
The ministry explained that despite 3,600 Feyenoord fans planning to attend, including 500 deemed dangerous, only 2,600 tickets were provided for Feyenoord supporters.
“Of the 1,000 supporters who have nevertheless planned to travel without a stadium admission ticket, it is feared that some will try to force their way into the stadium,” the French ministry said.
David scored Lille’s lone goal at Anfield on Tuesday as the French side lost 2-1 to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. The Canadian ended his seven-game goal drought by smashing home an equalizer that was quickly cancelled out by Harvey Elliott as LFC secured all three points to top the group phase.