French Police Arrest Feyenoord Fans Despite Club's Efforts to Overturn Travel Ban

French police have arrested 17 Feyenoord supporters and turned away 64 at the border, upholding a travel ban imposed due to concerns over potential violence between fans and law enforcement.

French police have arrested 17 Feyenoord supporters and turned away 64 at the border, following a travel ban imposed on the Dutch club's fans ahead of their Champions League clash against Lille on Wednesday. The French Council of State in Paris upheld the ban, which was imposed by the French Interior Ministry due to concerns over potential violence between supporters and law enforcement.

According to the local prefecture authorities, “64 people claiming to be Feyenoord Rotterdam supporters have been refused entry into France and 17 people have been arrested, resulting in the same number being held in police custody.” The authorities also seized numerous pyrotechnic devices and objects intended as weapons during overnight checks. “Controls will remain in place throughout the day,” they added.

29.01.2025, LIVE: Before match Lille🇫🇷 - Feyenoord Rotterdam🇳🇱, ACAB is literally everywhere, the most are at the Central station of Lille, walking with weapons, click for more here: https://t.co/TqX77v672X pic.twitter.com/C76RJnYEcZ

— Hooligans.cz Official (@hooliganscz1999) January 29, 2025

Feyenoord had attempted to overturn the ban by filing a case with UEFA and submitting a detailed plan to ensure the safe and responsible travel of 2,000 visiting supporters. However, the French Council of State rejected their appeal. Feyenoord expressed their disappointment, stating, “Feyenoord is extremely disappointed that the summary proceedings were not settled in the club's favour, but cannot do anything other than accept the outcome in the knowledge that the club, along with FSV de Feijenoorder, has done everything possible to ensure that away supporters are present in Stade Pierre-Mauroy.”

The French Interior Ministry cited previous incidents involving Feyenoord supporters in France, including clashes in Nancy in 2006 and Marseille in 2022, which resulted in arrests, injuries, and property damage. Out of the 3,600 Feyenoord fans expected in Lille, 500 were identified as “high-risk,” and concerns were raised that 1,000 ticket-less supporters may attempt to force entry or provoke confrontations in Lille's narrow streets, given that only 2,600 seats were allocated to the visiting club.