Laurent Hottiaux Bars Nice Fc Supporters Near Allianz Riviera

nice fc supporters are barred from zones around the Allianz Riviera and the club’s training centre from Friday midday to the night from Friday to Saturday. Laurent Hottiaux signed the order on Wednesday, and the second leg against Saint-Étienne goes ahead behind closed doors on Friday at 20:45.

Allianz Riviera access limits

The Alpes-Maritimes prefecture said anyone declaring or appearing to be an OGC Nice supporter is covered by the restriction. That includes behavior that signals support, from shirts to chants, and the ban extends to access routes around the stadium, nearby venues and the training base.

The order names boulevard des jardiniers, rue Pancho Gonzalez and the A8 la Provençale. It also bars pyrotechnics, fuels, inflammable products, provocative banners and objects that could be used as projectiles.

Hottiaux cites public order

Authorities said the presence of supporters on the public highway poses a real and serious risk to public order. The prefecture also invokes the Vigipirate plan at urgence attentat level and rates the tie level 4 by the national anti-hooliganism division.

The restriction follows repeated incidents involving Nice ultras, including attempted clashes with Saint-Étienne fans in 2024, a pitch invasion against Metz 10 days ago and violence around the Coupe de France final that led to 65 people in custody. The first leg finished 0-0 on Tuesday, and Friday’s return will be played in an empty Allianz Riviera.

Saint-Étienne return leg

For supporters, the practical change is immediate: the area around the stadium and training centre is off-limits during the stated window, even for fans who are not inside the ground. The match itself is closed to the public, so the only movement around the venue comes under the prefectural order rather than a matchday crowd.