A week after the incidents at the Stade de France on the sidelines of the Champions League final last Saturday, the British daily The Guardian takes pleasure in recalling the existence of an international convention known as “Saint-Denis”, adopted in 2016 on the initiative of the Council of Europe to improve security in and around stadiums.
Curiosity of this text written during Euro 2016, after the serious incidents in Marseille around the England – Russia match, it was opened for signature by the countries on the day of the last quarter-final of the competition between France and Iceland, on July 3, 2016 at the Stade de France, and thus gained the official name of “Convention de Saint-Denis”.
“The irony of France’s public commitment will not escape anyone who was affected by the chaotic organization of the final”
This text, specifies Guardian Paulo Gomes, the secretary of the “Saint-Denis Convention” within the Council of Europe, urges the authorities of the countries that sign it (including France, among 23 countries) to ” encourage public and private actors (local authorities, police, football clubs and national federations, and supporters) to work together when preparing and playing football matches ».
Liverpool supporters were the target of tear gas fired by the police on the sidelines of the final. (A. Réau/The Team)
Authorities should also “ensure that the infrastructures of sports venues comply with standards and regulations to allow effective management of the crowd and its safety”. Furthermore, they must “to ensure that spectators are well received and treated throughout the event, including by making the stadium more accessible to children, the elderly or disabled people”.
Comment of Guardian : “The irony of France’s public commitment to security will not escape anyone affected by the chaotic organization of the Champions League final (Saturday) last.”
