OL v PAOK Salonique rated high risk, thousands of Greek fans expected | OneFootball

According to Le Progres, OL host PAOK Salonique on Thursday 29 January at 21:00 in the Europa League league phase finale, a fixture rated level 4 out of 5 by the DNLH and expected to draw thousands of Greek supporters, some arriving from Tuesday.

On the pitch, both clubs are already through, Lyon assured of the round of 16 and PAOK guaranteed at least the play-offs.

Previous trips of Greek fans to France have raised concerns, with violent clashes outside the stadium in Lille in October. In 2022, PAOK's visit to Marseille sparked serious incidents over three days, leaving around 30 police officers injured.

Authorities hope lower sporting stakes could ease tensions. Three meetings have already been held to plan for the presence of PAOK ultras, and a prefectural order is expected within hours to regulate movements, particularly in the city centre.

Risks cited include hundreds of Widzew Łódź supporters within the away end, linked to a rivalry with the other club in the city, apparently close to the Lyon 1950 group. The possible arrival of fans from Besiktas or Partizan Belgrade is also mentioned, though not confirmed.

The order is set to apply from Wednesday evening, with several hundred police to be deployed in Lyon and at Groupama Stadium.

Source: Le Progres