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Three days after the incidents during the Nice-Evian match, the Prefect gathered the different security agencies. The objective: quickly identify the troublemakers and find solutions to put an end to an increasingly tense situation. As for significant announcements, those will have to wait.
One step forward then one step back. That’s somewhat the summary of the meeting held this Tuesday at the Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes to address the incidents that marred the Ligue 1 match between OGC Nice and Evian T-G. Indicative of the urgent nature of the topic, Antoine Boutonnet, head of the National Division for the Fight against Hooliganism (DNLH), traveled from the Paris region specifically for the round table. He notably was at the forefront during the riots around the Parc des Princes a few years ago.
To recall, at the end of the first half last Saturday during Nice-Evian, around a hundred “supporters” from the South Brigade attempted to enter the VIP area of the presidential stand to confront President Rivère and his general manager, Mr. Fournier. Pushed back by the police, skirmishes occurred in the stadium’s corridors between the ultras and the security forces before an evacuation took place in a very hostile atmosphere.
The Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Adolphe Colrat, quickly highlighted and commended the public security’s responsiveness to halt the movement. “A crowd movement is by definition irrational. The situation was dangerous; we did not underestimate the risk,” repeats the Prefect of the 06. The priority, therefore, remains the rapid identification of the individuals responsible and the implementation of new stadium bans (IDS) “with no form of leniency.”
“We must confront deviant behavior. These individuals have no place in a sports venue, and it’s the same for all clubs. Zero tolerance must be applied,” stresses Antoine Boutonnet.
Finally, Nice Eco Stadium, owner of the Allianz Riviera, represented by Xavier Lortat-Jacob, is considering setting up a physical device in the form of mobile barriers but “not permanently.” All parties involved in the meeting reaffirmed the desire for a splendid venue, a welcoming stadium where it is easy to circulate. However, with potential severe consequences amid the incidents against Saint-Etienne, Bastia, and Evian…
Ten days before the match Nice-PSG, neither the club nor police authorities have decided on any preventive measures or strengthened arrangements yet. Nonetheless, a table of parties conscious of the match’s importance and the dangers drives the organization of a meeting early next week.
