Ahead of a Feb. 18 Europa League tilt at Saint-Etienne, FC Basel supporters have been barred from travelling to the Rhone-Alpes region for the first leg of a Round of 32 two-legged tie.
The decision, announced Monday on Basel's Twitter account, is consistent with a resolution across Ligue 1 stemming from concerns over the Paris attacks in November, and specifically the bombing at the Stade de France during the international friendly between France and Germany.
The French authorities have informed us that no guest fans will be allowed at the @EuropaLeague away game in St-Étienne. (1/4).
— FC Basel 1893 EN (@FC_Basel_en) February 8, 2016
Basel fans risk prosecution by the French authorities when traveling to St-Étienne due to ignoring the ban. (2/4)
— FC Basel 1893 EN (@FC_Basel_en) February 8, 2016
Thus we ask our fans to please stay in Basel and support the team from at home. For more info, please contact @ASSEofficiel. (3/4)
— FC Basel 1893 EN (@FC_Basel_en) February 8, 2016
If you already have purchased a ticket for the game, you are able to return it for the full price at @ASSEofficiel’s website. (4/4)
— FC Basel 1893 EN (@FC_Basel_en) February 8, 2016
The decision will not please Basel supporters who have already made plans to travel west to France, especially with the threat of prosecution if they are spotted at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
Security concerns continue to shroud next summer's Euro 2016 tournament, which France is hosting at 10 venues across the country, including Saint-Etienne, neighbouring Lyon, and the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris proper.
The return leg is scheduled for Feb. 25 at Basel's St. Jakob-Park.
