we explain the imbroglio surrounding the movement of Marseille supporters to Lisbon

Marseille supporters who wanted to go to Lisbon to support their club have seen their tickets canceled by the Portuguese club in recent hours.

The Europa League quarter-final between Olympique Marseille and Benfica could take place without traveling fans. A few hours before the first leg this Thursday, April 11 in Lisbon, uncertainty still reigns over the presence or not of OM fans at the Estadio de la Luz. Their tickets were canceled by the Lisbon club on Tuesday, angering the Marseille club. Explanations.

The story began on April 5: the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture issued an order to prohibit Lisbon fans from entering the stadium and its surroundings for security reasons during the return match on April 18. . “Certain groups of Benfica Lisbon supporters frequently adopt violent behavior during their team’s European trips. could we read in the decree, according to France Bleu Provence.

Pablo Longoria in support

Three supporters were arrested following clashes around the match between Benfica and Real Sociedad on November 8, 2023. In response, the Portuguese club decided on Tuesday to deactivate the Marseille supporters’ seats for the first leg, Thursday April 11.

In a press release published Tuesday evening, OM took note of the decision, but still hoped for a positive outcome. “The club considers that a favorable outcome is still possible and continues, as has been the case for several days, to do everything possible in the interest of its supporters so that they attend Thursday’s meeting in Lisbon. […] OM will continue their efforts until they have won the case for their supporters whose behavior has been exemplary this season in the European Cup.”hoped the club.

The next day, Pablo Longoria also stepped up to the plate, specifying that his presence would not be assured in Lisbon if his supporters are blocked at the entrance to the stadium. “I cannot accept that our supporters, who have made enormous sacrifices to come to Portugal, cannot access the visitors’ stand to attend a match that we are all looking forward to in this very difficult season. […] And if we had to come to that, I would not attend tomorrow’s meeting out of solidarity with our supporters but also in opposition to the unfair nature of this situation in which everyone must assume their responsibilities.” explained the president of OM on Wednesday in a press release.

Marseille supporters still call for people to travel

Once on the same wavelength – OM and Benfica denounced this decision in a joint press release on Sunday – the two clubs are now showing disagreement over the management of this situation.

Marseille supporters were already there at the time of Benfica’s decision, while between 2000 and 3000 OM fans are expected according to the South Winners group. “We are taken hostagereacted their leader Rachid Zeroual to France Bleu Provence. This is misunderstanding. We all got on a plane, booked hotels. We had to organize ourselves for work and we find ourselves here without knowing if we will be able to go to the stadium, it’s nonsense.“

The South Winners called for continued support, encouraging their members to still make the trip. “Despite the injustice of the decision taken, we will join our brothers already present there. For people who have booked a plane, we are counting on you to take it anyway.“

At this time, they could therefore be on site, within the perimeter of the stadium, but not be able to enter, raising fears of an escalation of tensions. “I cannot accept a situation which would be all the more regrettable as it would contribute to increasing the security risk surrounding the thousands of OM supporters who would find themselves at the gate of the Estádio da Luz“, indicated Pablo Longoria in his press release. ”