Marseille, France – As the Rugby World Cup kicks off this weekend, fans descending upon Marseille for England and Scotland matches have been issued stern warnings. Authorities have put in place fines of up to €150 (£128) for “obvious public drunkenness” and up to €180 for noise pollution.
The Stade Vélodrome, which will host England’s opening World Cup match against Argentina on Saturday and Scotland’s fixture against South Africa on Sunday, anticipates a staggering influx of more than 100,000 supporters over the weekend.
In addition to these penalties, visitors are being greeted with reminders of French law and practical advice, including potential fines for offenses such as “obvious public drunkenness, consumption of narcotics (€150-450), and using the services of a prostitute (€1,500).”
The guidelines also highlight that littering or urinating on public roads can result in fines ranging from €135 to €375. Noise pollution, too, is subject to penalties, ranging from €68 to €180. The guidance emphasizes the importance of respecting public peace, even during the festive atmosphere of the Rugby World Cup.
England’s clash with Argentina is set to kick off at 9 pm local time on Saturday, while Scotland’s match against South Africa is scheduled for 5:45 pm on Sunday. Despite these strict regulations, thousands of supporters have already descended upon Marseille, with the city’s Old Port proving to be a popular spot for tourists.
It’s worth noting that an exemption from French law prohibiting the sale of alcohol in stadiums during the tournament was secured by organizers, offering some relief to fans.
Marseille has experienced challenges in the past when hosting major sporting events, with incidents involving England supporters during the 1998 and 2016 football tournaments. However, the last time England’s rugby team played in Marseille during a major tournament in 2007, the event passed without significant trouble. Nevertheless, an increased police presence is expected over the weekend to prevent any potential disruptions.
Furthermore, Marseille has garnered a reputation as one of France’s more precarious cities due to relatively high crime levels. Therefore, the guidance urges supporters to remain vigilant against pickpockets. A spokesperson for France 2023 emphasized the importance of security, mentioning that additional security measures would be in place around major transport hubs, rugby villages, the city center, and the stadium to ensure a safe experience for fans.
England Rugby Travel, the official travel agent of the RFU, is providing safety advice to supporters traveling to Marseille. A spokesperson stated, “We will provide advice to supporters on how best to enjoy their weekend in the city for the opening weekend of the tournament as we would for all major events and hope they have a wonderful time.”
As rugby enthusiasts converge in Marseille for this exciting tournament, they are urged to enjoy the festivities while also respecting local laws and regulations to ensure a peaceful and memorable experience.