French authorities detain Feyenoord supporters at the border prior to Champions League clash in Lille

LILLE, France — Authorities in France have reported that numerous Feyenoord supporters, who had been barred from traveling to Lille for a Champions League clash, were either denied entry or taken into custody at the border. On Wednesday, the Prefecture du Nord, which oversees regional governance, revealed that a total of 86 supporters from the Dutch club were turned away, while an additional 30 individuals were arrested.

During security checks, law enforcement personnel confiscated several items, including pyrotechnic devices and a variety of objects that could potentially serve as weapons. This action aligns with the France’s interior ministry’s announcement regarding the travel ban, which was deemed necessary due to a “real and serious risk of confrontation” anticipated between the supporters of the two clubs ahead of the match scheduled at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

The decision to impose travel restrictions stems from an ongoing concern related to Feyenoord’s fan base, which has frequently faced issues linked to “public order disturbances prompted by the violent conduct of certain supporters or those claiming affiliation with this team.” Several instances of fan violence have been cited over the years as justification for these preventative measures.

For example, in May 2022, violent confrontations erupted in France when fans of Marseille clashed with Feyenoord supporters outside the Stade Velodrome prior to their Europa Conference League semifinal. Additionally, there were significant disturbances reported in Lille city center during a 2010 Europa League match featuring Feyenoord against the Bulgarian team Levski Sofia.