Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Rugby World Cup 2023: Crowd 'chaos' before England beat Argentina in Marseille investigated

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Sunday, 10 September 2023 02:17

World Rugby says it wants to "establish the facts" after fans complained of chaotic scenes outside the Stade de Marseille before England's World Cup match against Argentina.

Former England hooker Brian Moore described the scenes as "beyond shambolic".

World Rugby said it has launched an investigation.

"We are aware of delays experienced by fans entering Stade de Marseille for the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool D match between England and Argentina this evening," World Rugby said.

"While fans were able to take their seats, fan experience is paramount, and we are working with all stakeholders to establish the facts and implement measures to prevent such delays for the remaining Rugby World Cup 2023 matches at the venue."

Speaking about the scenes at the stadium, England fan Pierre told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: "It wasn't good. The main entrance to the whole stadium is one funnel, where it was just chaos."

France's organisation of major sporting events is under scrutiny, given the scenes before and after the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France, which Liverpool lost 1-0 to Real Madrid, and with Paris also hosting the 2024 Olympics.

Liverpool fans were kettled into dangerous crushes before last year's Champions League final and sprayed with tear gas by police as kick-off was delayed by 36 minutes - and fans were also attacked by gangs as they left the match.

Officials initially blamed Liverpool supporters but later apologised as an independent panel found Uefa and the French authorities responsible for the near "mass fatality catastrophe".

Prior to the Rugby World Cup, France's sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said the country had "learned lessons" from that episode.

However, some supporters at the ground in Marseille on Saturday claimed on social media that they were concerned for their safety as they queued to get in.

"The organisation at the Marseille stadium was beyond shambolic," Moore wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

England fan Pierre added on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It reminded me a little bit of the footage for the Champions League match in Paris that Liverpool were in. We were in the queue for over an hour and couldn't move.

"There were kids, people on crutches. There was no communication whatsoever, couldn't get any signal.

"We were trying to find out online if the match was going to be postponed or not, just couldn't get any news. It was bizarre, really bizarre."

Read 63 times

Soccer

U.S. youth Figueroa signs pro deal with Liverpool

U.S. youth Figueroa signs pro deal with Liverpool

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsUnited States youth international Keyrol Figueroa has signed a prof...

Mbappé takes blame for PSG: 'I didn't do enough'

Mbappé takes blame for PSG: 'I didn't do enough'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsParis Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappé gets the credit when hi...

U.N. proclaims May 25 as World Football Day

U.N. proclaims May 25 as World Football Day

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFootball fans around the world will now have a day to celebrate the...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

NBA confirms key illegal screen call on Turner

NBA confirms key illegal screen call on Turner

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner was correctly called...

Nuggets' Murray fined, avoids suspension for toss

Nuggets' Murray fined, avoids suspension for toss

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNuggets guard Jamal Murray was fined $100,000 but avoided a suspens...

Baseball

Rangers 'break out' in 10-run inning, roll past A's

Rangers 'break out' in 10-run inning, roll past A's

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOAKLAND, Calif. -- Marcus Semien had four hits and five RBIs, and t...

Bellinger comes off IL, hits solo HR in Cubs' win

Bellinger comes off IL, hits solo HR in Cubs' win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs activated center fielder Cody Bellinger...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated