Pedro Nunes/Reuters
Bouches-du-Rhône police headquarters put in place a reinforced security system for Thursday's Europa League quarter-final second leg, in order to prevent fans of both clubs from making contact outside the Stade Velodrome, including in public places. Transportation in Marseille.
Le Figaro Marseille
The meeting was so sensitive that a travel ban on Portuguese fans in Marseille was on the table for the authorities. Finally, on Thursday, fans of Benfica Lisbon (2-1 winners in the first leg of the quarter-finals) will be allowed to attend the match between the Portuguese club and FC Marseille at the Velodrome Stadium, but with enhanced security measures.
In a press release, the Bouches du Rhone police headquarters called on the 3,500 Portuguese fans expected to arrive in Marseille to head to Marseille. “A gathering point determined by the authorities.” “A security system will be implemented on site.”“, explains the police chief. “Only in this location will they be able to obtain tickets from their club, to avoid going to the city center or coming into contact with Marseille fans.”
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Metro specific supervised by police officers
“They will then be transported to the stadium using a specific RTM metro system, under the supervision of the National Police and then escorted to the Velodrome.” Bouches-du-Rhône police headquarters insists on this. “Only fans supervised under this system will be able to access the stadium.” And “Only fans entering the stadium supervised by the police from the assembly point will be able to show their status as fans of the Portuguese club.”
In fact, others will be prevented from parking, driving and accessing Marseille city center and the areas surrounding the stadium. The use of pyrotechnic devices near the Vélodrome is also prohibited. Drones will also be deployed to support the work of the 1,000 police officers and soldiers deployed in Operation Sentinel.
