On Sunday, September 21, Paris Saint-Germain will face Olympique de Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome to close out Matchday 5 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season (kick-off at 8:45 p.m., CET). Parisian fans have been banned from traveling to the match, unsurprisingly, as reported by RMC Sport.
“OFFICIAL! PSG supporters banned from travelling to the Vélodrome for the “Classique” on September 21!
The Marseille Police Prefecture has cited three reasons for its decision:
- Historic tensions between the two sets of supporters.
- An incident involving a PSG supporter who infiltrated the visitors’ stand during a Paris FC match at the Vélodrome, put PSG stickers there and posted the act on social media.
- Anger from Marseille ultras, including an attempted intrusion into the stand that was only prevented thanks to the intervention of law enforcement.
It also recalls a November 13, 2020 incident at a Jul concert at the Accor Arena, where Paris ultras stormed the venue to attack spectators wearing OM symbols.”
There’s little surprise anymore — this has been the preferred solution for several years. Authorities barely feel the need to justify it now. Tensions between both camps remain extremely high, and there is little to suggest they will ease. Officials are reluctant to deploy massive resources in the hope of keeping things under control.
Real change would require genuine dialogue, sustained efforts, and good behaviour over time. For now, we’re far from that — as regrettable as it is for the atmosphere, the fans and the players alike.
