The ongoing travel bans reflect a growing concern over fan violence in French football, prompting authorities to take preemptive measures to ensure public safety.
The rivalry between OM and ASSE is deeply rooted, with historical incidents of clashes that have necessitated police intervention, highlighting the challenges of managing fan behavior in high-stakes matches.
As fan violence continues to be a pressing issue, it is likely that more travel bans will be implemented for future matches involving rival clubs in Ligue 1.
The situation may prompt clubs and fan associations to engage in discussions about improving safety measures and fostering better relations between supporters.
Travel bans for supporters in Ligue 1 continue as Olympique de Marseille (OM) fans are prohibited from attending the match against AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) on December 8, 2024. This decision, announced by the Ministry of the Interior, is based on the longstanding rivalry and history of violence between the two fan groups. The decree, signed by former Minister Bruno Retailleau, cites a "real and serious risk of confrontation" as the primary reason for the ban. The match is set to take place at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium at 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, and the travel restrictions will be in effect from midnight to midnight on the day of the match. This ban is part of a broader trend in Ligue 1, where travel restrictions for fans have been increasingly common following incidents of violence, including the death of a supporter last year in Nantes. The ministerial decree also highlights the need for police resources to be allocated to other significant events, such as the inauguration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, which will further limit law enforcement availability in the Saint-Étienne area. Additionally, Stade Rennais supporters have also been banned from traveling to Nantes for their match due to similar concerns regarding fan violence.
