Lyon-Juventus match: the joy of the Lyonnais outweighs the controversy

Lyon defeated Juventus Turin 1-0 on February 26 in Lyon in a highly criticized match because it was maintained despite the coronavirus that rages in Italy. REUTERS / Eric Gaillard

Text by: RFI Follow

The Champions League round of 16 was still played in Lyon, with a 1-0 OL victory against Juventus de Turin. No particular precautionary measure had been taken despite the controversy over the maintenance of the match. Italy is still the European country most affected by the coronavirus.

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With our special correspondent in Lyon , Christophe Diremszian

The concern about the risks run by the players and supporters was really not palpable at Groupama stadium. The 3,000 tifosi were able to sing and witness the defeat of their team, and quietly set off again in their reserved parking lot without disturbing many. In the stadium, an information message was still broadcast before the start of the match and at half-time in French and Italian, calling for precautions in terms of hygiene and in the event of the appearance of symptoms.

A few rare Juventus supporters had decided to come with protective masks. But the vast majority of fans did not even understand that they could arouse so much distrust, recalling that they came from a region, Piedmont, almost unaffected by the disease.

In camera or relocation for the return match?

As for the mayor of Lyon, Gérard Collomb, he had confirmed earlier today that he would attend the match well and without a mask. A way of responding to the mayors elected in the Rhône, joined by several deputies of the majority who had called on the authorities to prohibit the movement of Italian supporters.

The latter therefore left, but the subject is not closed since OL must travel to Turin for the 8th final return. A match normally scheduled for March 17. But the evolution of the health situation could this time force the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to opt for the precautionary principle, by decreeing a closed session or a relocation on neutral ground.

► Read also: The coronavirus invites itself on the Lyon-Juventus field in the Champions League

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  • Soccer
  • Italy
  • coronavirus

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Coronavirus invites itself on the Lyon-Juventus field in the Champions League