In the midst of the Covid-19 epidemic in Paris, the images have not failed to be commented on. During the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, many young PSG supporters came to the Champs-Élysées and to the Parc des Princes to celebrate their club's victory in the semi-final of the Champions League in football, often without worrying about the barrier gestures. . A French specificity?
In Munich, a very controlled joy
In the city of Bayern, the clear victory of the German champion against Olympique Lyonnais (3-0) Wednesday night did not for example give rise to the scenes of Parisian liesses.
"In a biergarten , Munich beer bar, supporters were able to follow the semi-final on the big screen, seated around the large typical tables, spaced nevertheless to respect physical distances", writes a journalist from Agence France Presse. Germany is indeed affected, like its European neighbors, by an increase in coronavirus cases. Despite the three goals scored, Bayern's performance, much less flamboyant than against FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals (8-2), was not overly enthusiastic.
But France is, unlike Germany (Bayern will live its eleventh Champions League final) and other European clubs, unaccustomed to being at this level of competition. A factor that must be taken into account, according to Jean-Charles Basson, political scientist at the University of Toulouse and author of the book “Sport and public order”. “The France team is recognized today as a 'big', but it took a long time. We do not have the variation at the scale of the clubs, which are in decline despite the epic of AS Saint-Etienne and the victory of OM in the Champions League, we are still waiting for the thing to materialize, he analyzes. The course of OL is quite exceptional, just like that of PSG. It is very clearly unheard of, it is a very unique element. "
In Milan, time for prevention
As for Italy, it was not Inter's overwhelming victory against Shakhtar Donetsk on Monday that pushed the "tifosi" into the street, but the rise in Serie A of the club Spezia Calcio. Often maskless and despite barrier gestures, thousands of Italians gathered outside the stadium in Liguria on Thursday evening to celebrate this historic promotion. Sometimes causing the annoyance of some observers.
Dopo accoglienza dell'Atalanta a Bergamo sono in aumentato i contagi in Lombardia.
Dopo la festa a La Spezia verosimilmente aumenteranno i contagi in Liguria.
He main problema siamo noi. pic.twitter.com/eUcLu9boUk
“After an Atalanta match in Bergamo, infections have increased in Lombardy. After the party in La Spezia, infections in Liguria are likely to increase. The main problem is us, ”writes for example this journalist on Twitter.
“Football is the place where emotions are unleashed, as sociologist Norbert Elias says, analyzes Jean-Charles Basson. This is the place where we can let go, and there are fewer and fewer places of this type. For the political scientist, these sports competitions illustrate a particular difficulty in times of pandemic, the issue of youth. “The debate that opens is finally: what mode of governance of youth in the most daily aspects in the midst of a pandemic, including football? In France, the supporters who gathered belong to an essentially male youth, who was stigmatized during the Covid, from working-class neighborhoods, who were accused of not respecting barrier gestures, ”recalls the political scientist.
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A few hours before the final of the Europa League, which opposes Inter Milan and Sevilla in Cologne this Friday, the Italian club is therefore increasing the messages of prevention. “For all Inter fans around the world, tonight is a very important moment. We will have fun during the match but at the same time, let's stay safe, ”Inter president Steven Zhang said. "I invite the fans to follow the final of the Europa League Sevilla-Inter by respecting all the provisions in force to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Understanding the emotion and the importance of the event, avoiding the creation of gatherings and risky situations for your own health and that of others remains of prime importance to avoid contagion and better enjoy this special evening ”, insists he.
In Seville, fan groups take the lead
The day after Sevilla FC's victory against Manchester on August 16, a fan club dressed 15 popular statues of the Andalusian capital as Sevilla players. Across the city, many fans also placed flags and scarves on their balconies and windows. Good-natured demonstrations, which did not prevent some from meeting in bars, in small groups.
🎙️¡JUNTOS LO VAMOS A LOGRAR, @SevillaFC! 💪
Desde Colonia 🇩🇪 #SienteNuestroAliento y el de todas tus peñas. pic.twitter.com/fmzoTtrt3G
Porque no hay nadie que la sienta como nosotros y la quiera como nosotros! Vamos mi Sevilla !!!!! @fpsevillistas @SevillaFC #UELfinal #Tragedy pic.twitter.com/TJE7XtEPvZ
- Sevillismo Jaen (@SevillismoJaen) August 21, 2020Before the final, several groups of supporters also broadcast messages to their members, in particular prohibiting gatherings outside fan zones.
In @psdegranada movemos cielo y tierra, pero mañana, no hay ningún sevillista de la ciudad de La Alhambra solo viendo nuestro @SevillaFC @fpsevillistas.
¡¡VOLVER A SER CAMPEÓN ES LO QUE MÁS QUEREMOS !! pic.twitter.com/k2lf4rPTE0
“In France, unlike Italy or Spain, the supporter movement is not structured, it has no cultural roots. Elsewhere in Europe, supporterism has a very recognized method of supervision. The socios in Spain (supporters of FC Barcelona also owners of the club, editor's note ) for example are directly associated with the management of their club and they do not want it to degenerate. There is something which is strongly anchored, football in these countries is not a degrading spectacle, even cheap ", notes Jean-Charles Basson.
Rebelote in Paris?
Parisian supporters are preparing for the celebration in the event of a European coronation. The final will be broadcast on giant screens at the Parc des Princes in front of 5,000 supporters, the maximum level imposed by the government. But there will be no “fan zones” in the French capital. A giant screen will nevertheless be installed Sunday evening at Camp des Loges according to BFMTV, the training center of PSG, and 600 young people, all invited, will be able to attend the meeting.
The mayor of Paris, which fears new manifestations of unrestrained joy, also promises to "work with the prefect of police to ensure that the demonstrations of joy, if there are any on Sunday evening, are done with the maximum of safety for those present ”.