France - Denmark at the Stade de France: why some supporters are worried

Cyril de la Morinerie, edited by Ophélie Artaud 10:07 a.m., June 03, 2022

Supporters stuck behind barriers, criminals who step over the gates, police who use tear gas... France's image tarnished around the world last weekend, during the Champions League final.

Six days after this fiasco, the Stade de France is hosting the France-Denmark meeting in the League of Nations this Friday evening.

This time, more than 2,000 police and gendarmes are on the alert to avoid suffering a new controversy two years before the Paris Olympic Games.

80,000 spectators expected

The meeting is special, especially for the 80,000 spectators expected in the enclosure of Saint-Denis.

Despite reassuring messages from the government, some are still reluctant to go to the Stade de France.

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"I planned to go there with my children, but for their first match at the Stade de France, I don't want to find myself in the middle of tear gas canisters. I honestly hesitate," explains Béatrice.

"But if we go, it will be by taxi. Hoping not to have to finish on foot."

“We are here to win the game”

As for the players, apart from Karim Benzema who was on the pitch, everyone watched the Champions League final from Clairefontaine.

Despite everything, the Blues are not afraid to go to the Stade de France, as recalled by Guy Stéphan, who replaces Didier Deschamps, retained by a family drama.

"I have no particular fear, and I strongly hope that it will go well. We are here to win a match. We are also here to make people as happy as possible."

To make them happy, the Blues hope to win against an opponent they will meet again in five and a half months at the World Cup: Denmark.

The country, 11th nation in the world, is better ranked than Germany, Sweden or Uruguay.

French people who hope to conquer the League of Nations, of which they are the title holders.

Kick-off scheduled for this Friday evening at 8:45 p.m.