This Tuesday, July 22, four days before the match, frustrated by a firm but understandable refusal of the Louviérois club, the family of the Rouches announced the pure and simple boycott of the trip of its groups of supporters – who will still encourage the players on Saturday morning at the Academy before their departure for La Louvière.
A problematic parking lot
As we know, in this Easi Arena built with the budget wisdom of an emerging club, the visitors parking can accommodate maximum 450 spectators (462 tickets, precisely, had been negotiated for this Saturday). A reasonable proportion that respects the in force gauge, which stipulates that 5 % of the total capacity of the stadium is dedicated to opposing fans.
This number had already aroused the debate among the supporters (read our July 18 edition). The real problem lies rather in the layout of the parking lot reserved for visitors. A technical problem Currently limits its number to seven, instead of eight. This does not fundamentally change things, but it constrains supporters a little more to bound their coaches.
This requirement is unrealistic and testifies to a blatant lack of knowledge of the terrain, even a regrettable amateurism.
“This requirement is completely unrealistic and testifies to a blatant lack of knowledge of the field, even of a regrettable amateurism “, estimates the FDR press release. Who therefore contrasts: “Faced with this blocking situation, the Rouches family takes responsibility and announces the official boycott of this trip for all of their supporters clubs. […] We regret the frozen position of the new promoted in D1A for its first match, we all decline responsibility for the possible presence of individual supporters who would still make the trip without supervision or ticket. “
On the Louviérois side, we persist and sign: the stadium was thought as such and it is “logistically impossible “ to park more than seven buses there.
A baptism of fire that is both exciting and at very high risks
In recent days, and this Tuesday, meetings mixing clubs and authorities have been held to try to tend towards a compromise. According to our information, Pierre François, who had constantly aware of the supporters to respect the Infrastructures of Louviéroises, even proposed that the fans of the standard be sent in two waves of six coaches: the first six going to park in an area distant from the stadium once its occupants have been filed, before the following six cars enter the said car park to route the animation groups, and remain there during match. Categorical refusal.
Raal – Standard: this is why the number of authorized buses goes from 8 to 6 then to 7 with a maximum gauge which remains at 450 supporters
The position of the raal can be understood. Management knows that it plays big for this first official game at home. In terms of security and image, she has no right to make mistakes. Unfortunately for her, the calendar offers her a baptism of fire that is both exciting and at very high risks. The police are on the teeth and the municipal budget does not allow any extra in these times of austerity. Too bad for the Walloon football festival.