Marseille’s Stade Velodrome may have a fearsome reputation, but it is more than 16 years since the Ligue 1 side beat English opposition at the ground – and that was against Bolton Wanderers in the last 32 of the Uefa Cup.
Tottenham, who need to win to be assured of a place in the Champions League knockout stages, will at least be spared a full stadium for their final Group D match due to a partial closure of the north stand.
Uefa have punished Marseille for fan disorder in their home game against Frankfurt earlier this season, citing the “lighting of fireworks, throwing of objects, use of laser pointers, crowd disturbances and blocking of public passageways”.
Riot police were forced to intervene, with 17 officers and two supporters among the 19 people injured.
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As a result, the club was required to play its home match against Sporting behind closed doors but the majority of the ground will now be open, with only one section empty.
Spurs will still hope the penalty hands them an advantage, with Antonio Conte calling on his side to show “more personality” after falling two goals behind against Bournemouth on Saturday. They will certainly need character in abundance if they are to hold their nerve in France.
Tottenham have advised travelling supporters to be vigilant against “street crime including pickpocketing” and to “take sensible precautions and ensure they have valid travel insurance”. Their fans have also been told to avoid the Vieux Port area of the city and not to wear anything that will identify themselves as Tottenham supporters or congregate in large groups. Away fans are required to travel to the stadium on matchday on a designated shuttle bus.
It is not the first time Marseille have been hit with Uefa sanctions this season. In September, when Tottenham beat them 2-0 in the first Group D match of this season’s Champions League, unsavoury scenes unfolded close to the full-time whistle, with bottles and flares thrown. Some travelling supporters clashed with a group of Spurs fans and a rainbow flag – erected by Spurs LGBT+ group Proud Lilywhites – was torn down from the away end. Marseille were subsequently issued with a 30,000 euro (£28,569) fine.
Nice have also been punished by Uefa after what European football’s governing body described as a “serious disturbance” before the Europa Conference League 1-1 draw with Koln. Kick-off was delayed and 32 people were injured, including four hospitalisations and one fan left in a critical condition. In addition to the Allianz Riviera being partially closed, Nice were handed a two-match travel ban for their fans and fined 100,000 euros (£85,900).
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