Euro 2016 security concerns grow after French Cup incidents

PARIS — The French football federation opened disciplinary proceedings against Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille on Monday following incidents during the French Cup final that raised major concerns only a few weeks before the country hosts the European Championship.

Marseille's fans light a flare during the French Cup final soccer match between Marseille and PSG at the Stade de France Stadium, in Saint Denis, North of Paris, Saturday, May 21, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Despite a two-meter high security wall surrounding the Stade de France and triple security checks, supporters smuggled flares into the venue in the northern Paris suburb of Saint-Denis and ignited fires in the stands on Saturday. Some supporters also tried to invade the pitch.

Fans also complained about severe overcrowding at the security check points. PSG won the game 4-2.

Following a meeting on Monday, the French Interior Ministry said "it has been decided to correct dysfunction without delay in order to guarantee the fluidity of supporters entering sporting venues and to strengthen security checks by private companies and secure stadium exits."

Seine-Saint-Denis area prefect Philippe Galli admitted there were serious security breaches during a match that was seen as the final test before Euro 2016, which will be held in 10 cities across France from June 10-July 10.

"The system was under pressure, and it gave way on some points," Galli told Europe 1 radio, adding that police were overwhelmed by fans.

Galli said problems arose due to the limited number of access points to the stadium, reduced from 26 to just four under the new security plan.

He said body searches also need to be improved before the tournament starts.

Trying to ease concerns, both the football federation and Interior Ministry insisted that security measures put in place during the Euros will be different.

The French federation said it did not consider the game a "test event" because it was a club match. Marseille and PSG fans have often clashed in their tense derbies.

In the wake of the attacks in Paris that left 130 people dead in November last year, France remains in a state of emergency which was recently extended by two months and will cover the ongoing French Open at Roland Garros, Euro 2016 and the Tour de France in July.

It expands police powers to put people under house arrest and allows authorities to forbid the movement of people and vehicles at specific times and places.