Paris (AFP)

Ignite ... far from the Parc des Princes.

Despite the adrenaline rush of a Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, Paris SG supporters have adapted their passion to the health restrictions that keep them away from their friends, between frustration and the hope of an upcoming reunion to celebrate this European epic.

Slogan: all in red and blue!

The Ultras Paris Collective (CUP), the main group of fans of the capital club, announced the color Monday on social networks, two days before the first leg against Manchester City.

"Flags of the city of Paris on the windows, PSG jerseys on the shoulders, PSG scarves on the scoreboards, all ideas are good to represent our heart club", launched the CUP, as a rallying cry.

But at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, it is the silence that will accompany the players, under the closed door rule in place since the end of October to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

For the supporters, it is double the penalty, since the national curfew at 7:00 p.m. prevents them from meeting among themselves at the time of kick-off, scheduled for 9:00 p.m.

"It's a complicated period. There is nothing better than the vibration of a platform when there is a goal. We are deprived of this happiness," said Frédéric Reverdy, co-president of PSG Fan Club Normandy.

- "On your knees in front of the TV" -

"We live the season through TV, but it's not the same. We do think that it can be our year for the Champions League, but the problem is that we will not be there, behind the players, "he continues.

In this context, television becomes the last refuge of these fans: "I am all alone at home, and I discuss with my friends by messaging", describes Simon Ladam, PSG fan and occasional visitor to the Park.

"It's less funny, but I can sort things out. I was kneeling in front of my TV during the last twenty minutes of PSG-Bayern, tearing my hair out because of the stress!" , he laughs.

The most frustrating, "it is especially not being able to go to Manchester, we were there in 2016" for the lost return quarter (1-0), remembers Jonathan Partula, long subscriber to the Park.

The players, "can not get used to such atmospheres. We miss our supporters," said Presnel Kimpembe.

For the return quarter-final against Bayern, the CUP had prepared a big tifo, which covered three stands of the Park, in addition to accompanying the departure of the players from their hotel to the stadium, with chants and smoke.

The gradual deconfinement announced by the government in May offers supporters the prospect of meeting to see between them the last matches of PSG, vying to win three titles.

"If we go to the final, there will be demonstrations in town, on the Champs or elsewhere, I'm sure!", Assures Jonathan Partula, who would like to travel to Istanbul, host city of the final on May 29: "I have been vaccinated since Thursday, if we can go, I will be there, sure and certain! "

© 2021 AFP