OM face Besiktas in Europa League with the away stand empty

Marseille head to their Europa League opener against Beşiktaş this Thursday night in Istanbul with a clear talking point: due to a UEFA sanction, the away supporters section will be empty.

As L’Équipe reports, it all traces back to the disciplinary decision communicated on 19 February. After supporters lit flares at the Champions League match versus Club Brugge (0-3, on 28 January) the club and its fans broke UEFA rules and the suspended sentence was revoked. The punishment includes a ban on ticket sales for the visiting sector and a fine of €25,000.

A stand without fans

That means the match in Istanbul — expected to be loud and intense — will feature no travelling Marseille supporters in the guest area.

About 200 guests instead

L’Équipe adds that, despite the ban, roughly 200 guests and partners are expected to attend, as is customary. French authorities, the outlet notes, are not overly concerned about compliance, including for fans who live in Turkey and might try to enter through individual ticketing.

A security source puts it like this: “Besiktas, c’est une ferveur qui n’incite pas à se comporter de telle façon.”

What to watch for

With the away end ruled out, the focus for the day shifts to crowd control and to how the stadium atmosphere affects Marseille’s start in the competition.