OL v Fenerbahçe: Paulo Fonseca rejects fears of disorder | OneFootball

OL are playing down fears of disorder for the return play-off against Fenerbahçe, with Paulo Fonseca rejecting any risk. According to Le Progres, the club remains untroubled despite memories of 2017 against Besiktas.

The fixture has been classified high risk by the Division nationale de lutte contre le hooliganisme, and on Monday the prefecture issued a control order for 2,200 visiting fans. It bars them from circulating near Groupama Stadium in club colours for much of the day.

Even so, OL do not expect a repeat of the serious clashes that marred the Europa League tie with Besiktas in spring 2017.

OL have tightened ticketing, including strict separation and action against illicit resales, to deter a large influx from Türkiye’s diaspora and to prioritise their subscribers and sympathisers. Relations between the clubs are calm, and the Lyon trip to Istanbul passed smoothly, with hostility limited to whistles in the first leg.

Fonseca’s message echoes that stance. He describes Fenerbahçe supporters as passionate rather than aggressive, expects a vibrant atmosphere similar to the first leg, and urges everyone to enjoy the match.

Source: Le Progres

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”