Special envoys in Marseille
The stands at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille were not full when the anthems of the England-Argentina match, the first match in Pool D of the Rugby World Cup, were played. This is due to difficult access for supporters to the surroundings of the enclosure.
Images circulating on social media show thousands of fans blocked outside the Vélodrome, a few minutes before kick-off. Information confirmed by witnesses to Le Figaro journalists on site. Some rows were still sparse after five minutes of play.
All things considered, the scenes are reminiscent of the events that took place near the Stade de France before the 2022 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. Victims of local attacks and organizational flaws, many Reds supporters were unable to access the Saint-Denis enclosure in time, before being gassed by the police. The kickoff had been delayed.