We felt that it was important to give a roundup contextualising the various scenes before and after the Champions League final last night to bring some context to the scenes we saw in Paris, Marseille, and the lesser noted scenes in Munich:
Yesterday PSG supporters marched to the ground with a banner dedicated to James Rophe, a legendary fan who was critical in their fight to return to the ground. Earlier this year he passed away:
James’ importance was even recognised by the club earlier this season:
During the match, around 500 supporters watched the game from inside the ground, an action permitted by the club who provided big screens:
Following PSG’s defeat, fans in Marseille celebrated PSG’s defeat euphorically, as they retained their status as the only French club with a CL title:
Even Dimitri Payet got in on the action:
In Munich fans celebrated, although no Ultras groups organised anything official, as these groups in Germany stand ardently opposed to recognising football without fans in the ground:
Back in Paris, some fans made their way to the Champs, but this was not an action at all organised by the Ultras, who were keen to keep any and all events within the area of the Parc De Princes:
The Champs has become notorious for rioting following football matches. We saw it several times at Euro2016, after WC 2018 and also late into the night following the AFCON 2019 final. An insight as to why can be gleaned from this article:
ft.com/content/b027e6…
ft.com/content/b027e6…
The relationship between Parisians and the police has never been simple. Celebrations around the Champs regularly turn into an excuse to vent frustrations about economic inequality and frustrations at systems of control, particularly aimed at minorities…
It is important though that we do not confuse the scenes organised by the @Co_Ultras_Paris , and individual actors in Paris, where this kind of rioting has a long history and context.
The following day PSG supporters tried to gather near the ground to thank the team, reiterating:
"We will not tolerate any overcrowding, respect the distancing measures, the wearing of the masks, show once again that ultras rhymes with celebration"
"We will not tolerate any overcrowding, respect the distancing measures, the wearing of the masks, show once again that ultras rhymes with celebration"
Unfortunately, the Police seem to have failed in understanding this context, banning fans from being able to welcome the return of their club…
When it comes to COVID-19 response, PSG’s Ultras have been some of the most active in Europe. It is important we see the context behind everything as to not blindly label supporters as criminals.
As Herrera said, football without fans is nothing!
As Herrera said, football without fans is nothing!
Yesterday PSG supporters turned up anyways presenting the banner "Freedom for the Season Ticket Holders". The campaign they originally created to get back the rights to return to the Parc de Princes... Bravo!
