It is now official, ASSE will be deprived of its supporters for the trip to Nancy.
On Tuesday, ASSE learned some unpleasant news in relation to their trip to AS Nancy-Lorraine at the Stade Marcel-Picot (29th matchday of Ligue 2). Indeed, a ministerial decree was issued to ban St Etienne supporters from traveling and even claiming to be so in certain areas, a decision unprecedented in the current season.
According to the official text shared on social media and in the specialized press, anyone wearing a distinctive sign of ASSE (jersey, scarf, flag) will be denied entry to the Stade Marcel-Picot. This measure applies not only to the stadium but also in the towns of Nancy, Tomblaine, and Saint-Max, where it is prohibited to present oneself as a supporter of the Verts under penalty of sanctions and access restriction.
An extreme measure for public order reasons
Authorities justified this decision by the need to prevent serious disturbances to public order, especially in the context of tensions between supporter groups. For several seasons, public authorities have had legal means to regulate or prohibit supporter travel deemed risky, particularly through prefectural or ministerial decrees.
A blow to the match atmosphere
This prohibition remains a blow to ASSE, regularly driven by its supporters both at home and away. The match against Nancy, scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Stade Marcel-Picot, represents a new turning point in the season for the St Etienne team, who will have the opportunity to make a new mark at the top of the table.
For the supporters from Forez, this decision is seen as another collective punishment that could spoil the atmosphere around this important trip. With the official travel ban, many will have to follow the game from a distance or via the media. Once again, it is quite an incomprehensible ban that has been pronounced.
