Dijon vs. Sochaux: High Security Measures for Highly Anticipated Derby

Friday’s clash between the leader and runner-up in the French National League, the derby between Dijon and Sochaux, is expected to be intense both on the field at the Gaston-Gérard stadium and in the stands, where more than 10,000 people are expected to attend.

On Wednesday, the Côte-d’Or prefecture issued a decree regarding the supervision of Sochaux supporters. These fans are expected in large numbers on Friday in Dijon for a level 2 (out of 5) match according to the National Division for the Fight against Hooliganism.

Sochaux Fans to be Escorted to the Stadium

Given past incidents between Dijon and Sochaux supporters, the prefecture has limited the number of visiting Sochaux fans to 605 in the away section this Friday, emphasizing that they “must hold a ticket purchased in advance from the Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard (FCSM).”

Their arrival will also be escorted by law enforcement starting at 5 p.m., “at the exit of the A39 highway at Neuilly-Crimolois tollgate.” The same will apply when leaving the stadium according to state authorities.

Prefecture Bans Sochaux Fans from Outside the Designated Area

Lastly, as many Sochaux fans are expected outside the designated area, the prefecture prohibits, “anyone claiming to be a supporter of FCSM or behaving as such” from accessing the stadium, apart from those in the visitor section, and from “moving or parking on public roads throughout the city of Dijon.”

The possession, transport, and use of pyrotechnic devices, or any object that could be used as a projectile, have also been banned by the Côte-d’Or prefecture.