Rugby World Cup 2023: England and Scotland fans warned they face hefty fines for acts of drunkenness
Penalties will additionally be enforced for disturbing noises, improper disposal of waste, and engaging in public urination.
Fans from England and Scotland who are making their way to Marseille for the initial matches of the Rugby World Cup have been cautioned that they could be subjected to penalties for being intoxicated in public and causing disturbance with excessive noise.
Over 100,000 fans are anticipated to flock to the coastal town as the Stade Velodrome prepares to host England's first match against Argentina on Saturday, followed by Scotland's encounter with South Africa.
Passengers who arrive at airports are welcomed by signs displaying QR codes containing "various reminders regarding French legislation and useful tips". These encompass warnings of penalties, such as fines ranging from €150 (£128) for evident displays of public intoxication to €180 for causing noise disturbance. In its communication, the Police Nationale emphasizes the necessity to uphold public serenity during the lively Rugby World Cup. Additionally, individuals caught littering or engaging in public urination may face a hefty fine of up to €375.
The limits of those guidelines will be pushed to their boundaries during the weekend, particularly in the Vieux Port area that is already known for drawing rowdiness. By the afternoon of Friday, the pubs and bars were already reaching full capacity with fans, and a significant police force could be observed throughout the city.
Marseille has a troubled past when it comes to accommodating England followers during significant occasions. In both the 1998 World Cup and the 2016 European Championship, English soccer enthusiasts were engaged in unsettling incidents here.
Nevertheless, during the previous encounter between the England rugby team and Australia in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final held at this venue, no noteworthy happening occurred.
The Old Port and its adjacent regions are notorious for a considerable amount of criminal activity. Numerous alerts were disseminated at the airport cautioning about the existence of thieves and unauthorized ticket sellers. Law enforcement officers go as far as advising the public regarding "alternative fraudulent schemes such as street gambling or individuals enticing you to endorse a document."
Fans are prohibited from bringing food or beverages into the stadium, and any banner that promotes political, ideological, or advertising intentions is explicitly not allowed.