OL v Fenerbahçe: security operation for Champions League play-off return | OneFootball

Local authorities are braced for OL’s Champions League play-off return against Fenerbahçe on Wednesday in Décines, seen as the first major security test of the season, with more than 2,800 away fans expected.

According to L'Équipe, the tie has been rated level 4 out of 5 by the Division nationale de la lutte contre le hooliganisme. Since Tuesday five mobile units, one in the city centre and four at the stadium, have been deployed alongside 1,070 stewards and security staff.

The mobilisation mirrors recent high-risk nights against PAOK and Beşiktaş, when Greek fans cancelled their trip after a road tragedy and travelling support was banned following serious incidents seven years earlier.

With no recent antecedents and a smooth first leg that ended 1-1, Fenerbahçe’s allocation is authorised and sold out. Visiting fans must report to the Eurexpo car park at 17:30, then take escorted shuttle buses to Groupama Stadium. Officials expect a mostly family crowd, plus a contingent of ultras, and the Bogaz Hooligans group is being monitored with attendance unconfirmed on Tuesday.

The main worry is ticket resale and away supporters in home sections, given a sizeable local Turkish diaspora. Tickets bought outside official channels risk refusal at the turnstiles, those seats have been cancelled and resellers informed, and anyone reselling will be held responsible if incidents occur. Paulo Fonseca was optimistic, believing Fenerbahçe’s passionate followers are not aggressive and that everything would go well.

Source: L'Équipe

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