France bans PSV fans from Champions League match against PSG

Decision is based on past disputes involving supporters of the Dutch club; duel will be at the Parc des Princes, for the third round of the European tournament, on October 22

PSV Eindhoven fans have been banned from attending their Champions League third-round match against Paris Saint-Germain on 22 October at the Parc des Princes, the club’s home ground. The decision was made by French authorities based on past disputes involving supporters of the Dutch team.

— PSV was unpleasantly surprised late on Monday afternoon with the announcement that the French authorities would not tolerate the presence of Eindhoven fans in Paris. For reasons of principle, the team is investigating whether measures can be taken against the ban issued — the Dutch club repudiated in a statement.

PSV claims that 2,000 fans had already purchased tickets for the match before the French final. These supporters will receive a refund for their tickets, but other travel costs will not be reimbursed. According to the visiting team, in addition to being allowed to enter the stadium, fans will not be allowed to travel around the French capital on the day of the match.

— There is a total ban on PSV fans travelling to and within Paris. Although PSV has no outstanding penalties, French police are citing previous disturbances with fans, and there are also some internal security issues at play. PSV not only regrets the decision of the French authorities, but also their timing. All preparations had already been made and many costs had been incurred.

In October last year, also in the Champions League, PSV and Lens fans threw objects at each other after a 1-1 draw. The fight spread to the outskirts of the stadium, and police had to intervene with tear gas and batons. In 2022, PSV were forced to play without away fans in the Europa League , after trouble in a game against Arsenal .

PSV have a draw and a loss in the Champions League and are in 24th place with just one point. Paris Saint-Germain are in 19th place with three points from one win and one loss. The clash between the teams is scheduled for 4pm (Brasília time) on Tuesday.