• France edition

Travel ban for PSG fans headed to Marseille clash

Published: 03 Oct 2012 13:39 GMT+02:00 | Print version
Updated: 03 Oct 2012 13:39 GMT+02:00

The French interior ministry has slapped a ban on individual Paris Saint Germain fans making their way to Marseille for Sunday's top-of-the-table Ligue 1 clash, with only an authorised group of some 400 supporters to be allowed into the Stade Velodrome.

 It was initially announced that 400 PSG fans would make the trip to the Mediterranean coast, with some package deals offered for €340 ($439, £272), pricing out the majority of travelling supporters and attracting just 20 requests.

"As a result of the insufficient requests for the official trip for the match, the club has taken the decision to propose a new package for €150," read a PSG statement.The high-octane clash which has featured numerous violent incidents over recent years was deemed so volatile last season that a complete ban was placed on travelling fans and the small group allowed to attend this season will be heavily protected.

The 2009 "clasico" in Marseille saw 18 arrests and numerous injuries both near the ground and in parts of the city centre which was the initial reason the ministry intervened and banned travelling fans.

The last fatal incident involving the two clubs was in February 2010 when two factions of Paris supporters fought out a raging battle near their home ground that led to the death of a 37-year-old man.

AFP (news@thelocal.fr)

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