World Rugby claim they are "implement measures" to avoid such scenes in future World Cup matches
With just half an hour before England’s opening Rugby World Cup match against Argentina, frustrated fans found themselves in huge stadium queues outside the Stade de Marseille, fearing for the worse.
As one spectator, Ian MacEachern said on X (seen below): “organisation of whole night disgusting, crowd situation felt dangerous”.
In the wake of the issue, World Rugby released a statement saying they would “implement measures” to avoid such scenes at future World Cup matches.
The scene at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome exactly 30 mins before kick-off with thousands of fans queuing on steps outside ground to get inside.
World Rugby and France 2023 “working with all stakeholders to establish the facts and implement measures to prevent such delays” pic.twitter.com/v6GWnhlTfJ— Dan Roan (@danroan) September 10, 2023
Will give you chapter and verse – organisation of whole night disgusting, crowd situation felt dangerous (with someone needing a stick to walk), 40 mins to get a beer, £300 a ticket and saw maybe 30 mins of the match. Friend doesn’t want to come tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/525xiu7XEL
— Ian MacEachern (@IMac_TheFoot) September 9, 2023
World Cup-winning former Springboks captain John Smit summed up the stadium queues situation neatly the next day, saying: “Getting into the Stade Velodrome in Marseille yesterday was messy, to those going today (for Scotland versus South Africa) leave earlier, the stadium cannot handle big numbers through limited gates while checking your ticket at two separate points, it also didn’t help the vibe when they ran out of beer…”
Getting into the Stade Velodrome in Marseille yesterday was messy, to those going today leave earlier, the stadium cannot handle big numbers through limited gates while checking your ticket at two separate points, it also didn’t help the vibe when they ran out of beer… pic.twitter.com/u6w2wA4p1h
— John Smit (@JohnSmit123) September 10, 2023
Some spectators also complained about the availability of beer at the Stade de France at the opening match of the Rugby World Cup, when France inflicted a first World Cup pool defeat on New Zealand.
World Rugby statement on stadium delays
World Rugby said of the scenes in Marseille: “We are aware of delays experienced by fans entering Stade de Marseille for the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool D match between England and Argentina match this evening.
“While fans were able to take their seats, fan experience is paramount, and we are working with all stakeholders to establish the facts and implement measures to prevent such delays for the remaining Rugby World Cup 2023 matches at the venue.”
Stadium queues for Ireland match too
There’s were also big stadium queues in Bordeaux for Ireland’s match with Romania.
Lots of Ireland fans in danger of missing kick-off… big queues outside the Stade de Bordeaux pic.twitter.com/GtNVGQHtif
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) September 9, 2023
Huge queues outside stadium public transport has failed as trams can’t handle the crowds. Thousands outside right now. We headed for the stadium 2 hours before kick off. Irish fans frustrated but in good spirits. Dreadful organisation. #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/kb1NuFP9z1
— Rob Murphy (@murphyrob) September 9, 2023
As Rúaidhrí O’Connor of the Irish Independent tweeted: “Lots of Ireland fans in danger of missing kick-off… big queues outside the Stade de Bordeaux.”
Let’s hope we don’t see any more scenes like this going forward.
Are you in France and have you experienced issues with stadium queues? Let us know at rugbyworldletters@futurenet.com or on social media.
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