‘Focus on PSG, respect the opponent’ – Luis Enrique’s message to PSG fans ahead of Le Classique | OneFootball

Speaking at Paris Saint-Germain’s pre-match press conference ahead of the second Classique clash of the Ligue 1 season, manager Luis Enrique followed the club’s recent communication strategy surrounding warning fans on homophobic chanting at the Parc des Princes on Sunday. This was ahead of fears the match could be stopped or even abandoned due to ‘insulting or homophobic chanting’, particularly with a hostile welcome expected for Adrien Rabiot in his return to the Parc des Princes in a Marseille shirt. “I’m relatively new, I’ve been to three Classiques, it will be very special tomorrow,” at a press conference transcribed by RMC Sport. “My thinking is still the same, we need the support of our fans at every game, we love their support over the seasons. I would like us to be able to count on this support at every game. The supporters should really focus on PSG, respect the opponents and support the team.”L’Équipe reported this week that PSG employees have been asked to prepare in case the Classique is abandoned due to fan behaviour. A concern is that the return of Rabiot to the Parc could incite a hostile welcome for the Frenchman, that could go beyond the usual rough and tumble of the sporting rivalry between the two sides.There have been concerns that the game could be stopped due to homophobic chanting, which was the subject discussed on Thursday by local authorities at a security meeting. L’Équipe reported that managing a potential abandonment of the fixture was discussed.GFFN | George Boxall