Another Ligue 1 weekend has been reshaped by the expected social mobilisation in France, with Lyon’s home match against Angers moved from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon at the Groupama Stadium.
Lyon-Angers moved at Rhône prefecture’s request
The meeting between fifth-placed Lyon and 14th-placed Angers had been scheduled for Saturday 31 October at 20:45. It will now be played on Sunday 1 November, with kick-off set for 17:15.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel changed the fixture following a request from the Rhône prefecture, as police resources are required for a third day of planned demonstrations across France.
The protests involve the student movement and campaigns against the rising cost of living. Although the previous Saturday saw less disorder than the one before it, authorities have again asked football organisers to alter kick-off times in order to ease pressure on policing operations.
Three Ligue 1 fixtures affected
Lyon-Angers is the third top-flight match to be rescheduled for the weekend, joining changes in Nice and Lorient.
- Nice v Rennes, originally due to be played on Saturday 31 October at 17:15, has been brought forward to Friday 30 October at 19:00.
- Lyon v Angers has shifted from Saturday 31 October at 20:45 to Sunday 1 November at 17:15.
- Lorient v Brest, initially fixed for Saturday 31 October at 20:45, has been postponed until Monday 2 November at 20:45.
Security concerns in Lorient and Nice
The Brittany derby between Lorient and Brest has been classed as a risk fixture by the authorities. Its staging around the Stade du Moustoir requires the deployment of several mobile police units, leading to the decision to move the game to Monday night.
In Nice, the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture requested that the match against Rennes should not take place at its original Saturday afternoon slot. The fixture was therefore moved forward to Friday evening.
For Lyon and Angers, the adjustment means a different rhythm to the weekend: Saturday night will be left clear as demonstrations take priority for the local security services, while the Groupama Stadium will host its league fixture on Sunday.
