The National Directorate for the Fight against Hooliganism has classified the Lyon home game against Fenerbahçe as level 4 risk out of 5 following a meeting at Lyon prefecture this Thursday afternoon.
Fenerbahçe supporters travel in controlled numbers
2,220 Turkish fans are expected for the August 26 playoff return, including 1,000 from Turkey, 1,000 from the European Union, 200 identified supporters, and 20 VIP guests. These fans will be accommodated in a dedicated 2,816-capacity enclosure, with 500 to 700 Turkish supporters already flagged as high-risk profiles.
Strict ticketing measures enforced
No tickets will be sold at Groupama Stadium or at the Eurexpo meeting point in Chassieu on match day. Turkish supporters will exchange counter-marks provided by Fenerbahçe for stadium access tickets at Eurexpo. The organized gathering is scheduled for 6:00 PM, followed by transport to Groupama Stadium via 15 to 20 buses or shuttles.
OL cracks down on ticket resale violations
To prevent Turkish fans from purchasing tickets independently, Olympique Lyonnais, which opened its ticketing exclusively to season ticket holders this Thursday (over 26,000), will intensify communication regarding ticket resale bans. The club has already identified three groups that violated this directive. A formal notice will be sent to these groups, with season ticket suspensions without refunds. The club reserves the right to impose stadium bans.
Lessons from 2017 Beşiktaş clash
Depending on the August 18 first-leg result, Lyon’s prefect may issue decrees banning Turkish supporters or those perceived as such from Lyon’s city center on August 26 to prevent clashes with local ultras. Authorities plan to deploy three additional CRS units, beyond usual stadium forces, drawing on lessons from the violent crowd disturbances during the Beşiktaş match in Décines-Charpieu on April 13, 2017 (2-1, Europa League quarterfinal first leg). Currently, 50,000 spectators are expected for this decisive Champions League playoff match.