James Wilson 
French authorities have prohibited Feyenoord supporters from traveling to Lille for the upcoming Champions League group stage match between the two clubs, scheduled for January 29 at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. The decision, announced by the French interior ministry, stems from concerns over a “real and serious risk of confrontation” between fans.
In their statement, the ministry highlighted the history of disturbances associated with Feyenoord supporters, noting that past incidents have often involved violent behavior. They reported that approximately 3,600 fans had planned to attend the match, with 500 identified as potentially dangerous. However, only 2,600 tickets were available for the visiting Dutch club, raising fears that some fans without tickets might attempt to force entry into the stadium.
The ministry’s concerns were underscored by previous incidents of violence involving Feyenoord fans, including clashes with supporters from Marseille in May 2022 and disturbances during a Europa League match in Lille against Levski Sofia in 2010. These incidents have contributed to the decision to restrict Feyenoord’s fan travel, as authorities aim to ensure safety and maintain public order during the match.
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