Following Liverpool warning their fans that they should avoid Naples’ city centre to avoid being the target of ‘theft, robbery, or assault’, it’s now Tottenham’s turn to be wary of a non-British contingent.
With Olympique Marseille travelling to London to face Spurs in the Champions League, it appears all eyes will be on their fans, known for their spirited support.
That doesn’t necessarily translate into trouble, but local newspaper La Provence have an article highlighting the bond between the French club and their fans, and how a vicious few can tarnish the image of an entire club.
This is what appears to be happening ahead of the Tottenham game, following an incident in Auxerre when ‘the terrace of a peaceful brasserie was ransacked’ for no apparent reason, leading to ‘the reputation of aficionados of the most popular French club taking a serious blow’.
‘Hundreds of thousands of fans are then singled out because of a few dozen savages with unworthy behaviour’, and ‘these excited fighters represent only a tiny minority’ of the fanbase.
This is why the group of Marseille fans travelling to Tottenham, according to La Provence, will be ‘watched very closely’.
The newspaper state that ‘any incident is to be avoided’, and it will be interesting to see what comes of this, as the Marseille fans will be keen to ensure they are heard and seen in the stands to give their team the boost they will likely need to succeed on the pitch.
As for Tottenham, they will want as little disturbance as possible, whether it be from their own group of fans or the travelling ones.
