Lyon are bringing more than 1000 supporters with them this week for the match against West Ham.
It’s a big event for both clubs, with the chance of a Europa League semi-final on the line.
L’Equipe explain that there’ll be much ‘vigilance’ around the match, even if there’s no history of any bad feeling between the two clubs involved.
The French newspaper say Lyon sent a message to their travelling supporters on Tuesday, which stated: ‘The club strongly advise its supporters not to show signs of belonging (jersey, scarves, flag, etc.) until their arrival in the visitors’ stand.’
According to the report, this due to the ‘bad reputation’ of a ‘fringe’ of West Ham fans.
Lyon have only allowed their supporters to pick up tickets if they present full identification, so they know who’s travelling with them.
L’Equipe add: ‘Regarding security, the French delegation will be led by the boss of the DNLH (National Division for the Fight against Hooliganism), accompanied by three “spotters” (police observers) assigned to the visitor parking lot at the London Stadium.’
The return match in France is also set to be high security, with the report explaining there was trouble when West Ham travelled to Genk and Sevilla this season. They don’t explicitly blame the Hammers support for that trouble, but it’s clear that it’s raised concern.
