Marseille madness
MARSEILLE – a troubled city. England – a reputation to defend. Russia – a far- right element set on achieving notoriety.
It’s a combination that looked explosive from the moment the Euro 2016 fixtures were announced.
And I think the trouble that preceded England’s opening fixture poses major questions about the organisation of the tournament.
As soon as running battles broke out on Thursday between England fans and locals, I thought: ‘Here we go again’.
After all, Marseille was the scene of major problems between England and Tunisia fans at the World Cup in 1998.
Sending England back there – a city with a huge Tunisian and North African population – was silly.
Throw Russia into the mix and it becomes absolutely mind-boggling.
There were songs being sung about ISIS and that sort of thing is ridiculous
Given the generally- heightened security situation in France, pretty much any other venue would have been far more sensible.
I understand that England fans were provoked on Thursday, but it’s reported there were songs being sung about ISIS too, and that sort of thing is ridiculous.
England fans belting those out were verging on asking for trouble.
I honestly don’t blame the French police for their response, which some people have called heavy-handed.
We don’t often see tear gas being used in the UK, but it’s far more common in France.
At the moment, with the Euros under way, with transport and rubbish strikes having an impact, with some areas hit by major flooding, and with terrorism looming large, the French authorities are taking no chances.
I think that’ s justified under the
circumstances. The answer for fans is simple – don’t get involved. But, as I’ve said, I think the tournament organisers have to shoulder some of the blame, because staging the game in Marseille was daft.
And it is not the only example of shortsightedness in relation to England by Euro chiefs.
What about the pre-game hotel in Marseille designated to Roy Hodgson’s side? Close to a beach party for 80,000 fans that raged until 1am? Give me a break.
And what about this Thursday’s game against Wales?
Why on earth would you put that clash on in Lens, in a stadium that holds less than 40,000 fans?
Such is the interest from English and Welsh supporters, it probably could have taken place in a full-to-bursting Stade de France. To me, it was another crazy decision. Hopefully we have now seen the last of the type of problems England fans encountered in Marseille.
And I’d hope lessons have been learned by organisers and scheduling is more carefully considered in future.
All of that trouble in Marseille could have been avoided.
More fans could have been accommodated for England’s meeting with Wales.
In the meantime, let’s just hope the tournament keeps building momentum – and without further violence.