On a rivalry weekend when Marseille was preparing for Paris, one familiar absence was confirmed before a ball had been kicked: PSG supporters will not be allowed to travel south for Sunday night’s Ligue 1 meeting.
Key takeaways
- The Council of State rejected the appeal against the ban on PSG fans travelling to Marseille.
- Marseille host Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday at 20:45 in the fifth round of Ligue 1.
- The Interior Ministry had imposed the restriction, citing the risk of public-order incidents between rival supporter groups.
- PSG fans have been barred from travelling to Marseille since 2015.
- Collectif Ultras Paris criticised the decision and called for an end to the long-running exclusion.
Court leaves travel restriction in place
The Council of State confirmed the ban on Friday after an emergency hearing requested by the Collectif Ultras Paris, known as CUP. The group had challenged the Interior Ministry order preventing Paris supporters from making the trip to the Stade Vélodrome.
The judge ruled that, based on the evidence available, the contested measures did not appear to impose a clearly disproportionate restriction on the fundamental freedoms cited in the appeal.
Authorities have regularly pointed to the potential for disorder surrounding fixtures between the two historic rivals. The ban on away travel for PSG fans in Marseille has remained in force since 2015, meaning another Classique will be played without an official visiting contingent in the stands.
CUP lawyer Cyril Dubois described the outcome as disappointing. He said it was frustrating that French football remained unable to organise such a trip when neighbouring countries had managed similar fixtures, and argued that another season without Parisian supporters in Marseille could not continue indefinitely.
Luis Enrique calls for a peaceful occasion
PSG coach Luis Enrique also addressed the issue earlier on Friday, reflecting on a subject he said had remained difficult throughout his three years in France.
The Spaniard said sport should bring people together and noted its value in education. Above all, he expressed the hope that every football match could end peacefully, without any violence.
The teams now turn towards Sunday’s 20:45 kick-off, with the fifth-round contest set to unfold in Marseille without travelling PSG fans.
