This Friday, November 21, OGC Nice will host Olympique de Marseille at 8:45 PM at Allianz Riviera stadium. For this fixture of the 13th day of Ligue 1, the authorities have implemented significant security measures aimed at ensuring the smooth running of the match and managing movement around the stadium and in several areas of the city. The restrictions mainly apply to Marseille supporters and several zones in Nice.
The authorities have issued two decrees. The first is from the Minister of the Interior, prohibiting “the individual or collective travel, by any means, of any person claiming to be a supporter of Olympique de Marseille or behaving as such” between Bouches-du-Rhône and Nice. This prohibition applies on Friday, November 21, from midnight to midnight.
A prefectural decree complements these measures. It prohibits individuals “claiming to be a supporter of Olympique de Marseille, or behaving as such” from accessing the stadium or approaching it between 3 PM and midnight. The perimeter includes Sainte-Marguerite Avenue, Auguste Vérola Avenue, Mercantour Boulevard, Baraques Crossing, Saint-Isidore Square, Chanoine César Musso Square, and the Saint-Isidore station of the Provence Railways.
The same decree also restricts access to several downtown areas from 12 PM to midnight. These areas include the Promenade des Anglais (from the United States Quay to Verdun Avenue), Masséna Square, Jean Médecin Avenue, Jean Jaurès Boulevard, Garibaldi Square, Cassini Street, Docks Quay, Papacino Quay, Customs Quay, Lunel Quay, Guynemer Square, and Thiers Avenue.
The possession and use of pyrotechnic devices, as well as fuels, combustibles or corrosive products, are strictly prohibited. The same applies to “all flags and banners with inscriptions that incite provocation, violence, or hatred”, as well as any object that could serve as a projectile.
The authorities state that these measures are intended to contribute to public tranquility during the match.
An extensive police presence and enhanced controls
To ensure security, more than 200 law enforcement officers will be deployed in and around the stadium. The statement indicates that the personnel will be present “in uniform and plainclothes, with the support of 2 units of mobile forces.” Their role is to prevent incidents, violence, and damage.
Anti-intrusion devices, including concrete blocks, will be installed at the external entrances of the stadium. Security checks will be conducted “with the utmost vigilance.” OGC Nice stewards will be deployed inside the sports facility to maintain order. Teams of firefighters will also be stationed at several points.
Aurélie Lebourgeois, Chief of Staff to the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, will be present at the Security Command Post located at the stadium.
The match is sold out. A large crowd is expected on the roads leading to the stadium and after the match. The gates will open two hours before the start of the game. The public is encouraged to arrive early.
Public transportation will be reinforced. Free shuttles will connect the MIN/Arboras parking lot to the stadium. Tramway line 3 will operate with high frequency up to the Stadium stop. Bus lines, including line 49, will also serve the area. Several parking areas will be accessible according to the category of the public.
