In a statement, the Bush-du-Rhône police chief commented on the incidents between Marseille and PAOK fans before and after the match at the velodrome, speaking on the one hand about the failure to meet commitments and on the other hand the excellent response from law enforcement agencies.
From early Thursday afternoon (April 7), the atmosphere in Marseille smelled of gunpowder, with the situation between Marseille fans and from PAOKbefore the soccer meeting of the two teams in the velodrome not to be late.
After the clashes between Dikefalos fans and the police, but also hand-to-hand fights between hooligans on different streets, the episodes around the stadium continued both before and after the game.
Bush-du-Rhône police took action against PAOK through information tweeted, claiming they could not monitor and deal with compliance with the subpoenas against its fans, whom it even described as “violent”.
At the same time he congratulated, because in his opinion the violence could be prevented to a large extent.
According to the head of the local police, the coalition of forces “made it possible to control the hundreds of violent supporters who came from Greece without the surveillance promised by their associationAccording to the boss himself those who traveled to Marseille “have not adhered to the times and meeting points that are observed by all groups of guests when travelling“.
Explaining the foregoing, he stated that “For 24 hours, the police limited or avoided incidents that could have dramatic consequences. Thanks to their steadfast dedication and an effective security system that covered all threats, violence was reduced and arrests were made. His chief of police Bush-du-Ron appreciates everyone involved in this effort.
The police always look for the best travel conditions for opposing fans before considering bans, which should only be a last resort and at the same time prevent the friends of Marseille from taking advantage of the foreign trips themselves.
It must be recognized that in this case, three weeks of dialogue and written commitments from the opposing club were not enough to prevent violent and senseless acts unrelated to sport.“.
After the police chief spoke out “his regret at this situation, which can only hurt those who want to see the stadiums vibrating with the songs of all true football fans“, informed that”θa detailed report is sent by the police to UEFA all the difficulties that the local authorities have had to face in the context of this struggle“.
