France Bans Alcohol Near The Stadium Leading Into Upcoming Match
The French government has called for a ban on alcohol near venues and fan areas during the 2016 European Championship according to BBC News following incidents of fan violence in Marseille during the first three days of the European Cup.
On Saturday, there were continued clashes between England and Russia fans before and after the two countries faced each other in their first group match in Marseille. A statement released by the British government confirmed that six British nationals were hospitalized while a number of others had already received treatment. The government also expressed its concern regarding the violence, stating, “The UK government is deeply concerned by the violence in Marseille last night, including reports that in some cases England fans were attacked by rival supporters. We condemn the violence and urge calm on all sides.”
Clashes broke out between England’s national supporters, rival team supporters, and the police over the past three days in the French port city. A brawl also occurred inside the stadium when England and Russia tied 1-1 in the European Cup. According to the New York Times, Russia fans instigated the post-game violence by throwing objects at England fans in the stands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY_8u_IrTTc
France police say one British citizen was badly injured in the clashes. Eyewitnesses said the problem began in the stadium after fans lobbed fireworks after the Russia match ended. Several supporters then climbed the fence that was dividing the two groups of supporters.
BBC News journalist Nick Eardley described the scene of injured England fans being “dragged away by police” as “terrifying”.
Police sources told the BBC the clashes resulted in six arrests and at least five injuries.
The situation is further complicated when one considers the spotlight on Russia. As the next hosts of the World Cup in 2018, the country is already under intense scrutiny by the international community, and this behavior by its soccer fans will only increase the public pressure.
Russia (next World Cup hosts) under serious scrutiny right now. Find out Friday if their athletes banned from Rio for state-sponsored doping
— Dan Roan (@danroan) June 12, 2016
Sadly, the soccer frenzy was not limited to Marseille. In Nice, Northern Ireland and Poland fans were attacked by locals. On Sunday, there was also reported friction between Germany and Ukraine fans.
Local officials will be allowed to decide which areas are “banned,” said Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. Cazeneuve said the ban would extend to common areas, which includes shops. This includes restrictions on cafe and bar terraces as well as a firm ban on strong alcohol in the town center.
“I have asked for all necessary measures to be taken to prohibit the sale, consumption and transport of alcoholic beverages in sensitive areas on match days and the day before, and on days when fan zones are open,” said Cazeneuve on Sunday according to Russia Today.
Several thousand supporters had already purchased tickets to watch the upcoming game between France and Albania, before this ban was placed. Ticket sales are expected to continue to grow as game day approaches. The match will take place on June 15.
Reportedly, there are an expected 30,000 additional fans who plan to visit the city of Lens when the upcoming match between England and Wales takes place. Fans without tickets will attract the special attention of France’s security services. Security and law enforcement will be ready for whatever fans throw at them, preparing for what may be a repeat of the riot between England and Tunisia fans in 1998.
The English Football Association condemned the violence and said they were “very disappointed” according to BBC News.
UEFA said it “condemns the incidents in Marseille” and that “the people involved in the action of the riot have no place in football.”
[Photo by GettyImages/Adam Pretty]
