Away fans remain banned in France following attacks

Paris: The ban on away fans attending Ligue 1 matches will continue until December 14 following the terrorist attacks in Paris that left 130 dead and hundreds injured on November 13, the interior ministry said Sunday.

The initial ban was put into place for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches on November 19, as stretched security forces across the country were unable to provide complete protection, for home and away fans.

The decision was taken because of lack of available police with France in a state of emergency after the attacks, and with the COP21 climate change summit taking place in the French capital from November 30 to December 11.

"Given the current circumstances, the travel ban of supporters will be maintained, because of the rationalisation of security measures, as it is obvious that the police have other things to do now than accompany the fans," said Thierry Braillard, the state minister for sports.

The latest announcement means that away fans will not attend Ligue 1 matches on December 11, 12 and 13, while Ligue 2 matches will not host visiting supporters on December 11, 12 and 14.