The security of fans in Euro 2016 host cities is “of great concern following the events in Paris Friday,” according to Rachel Pretti of L’ÉQUIPE. The Euro organizing committee, the French government and the host cities have “been focusing on the problem of security for several months.” A March press release from the Ministry of the Interior “specifically described how host cities will accommodate between 20,000-100,000 fans each day of the tournament.” The statement read: “[host sites shall] provide internal safety devices to protect the facilities day and night; and to assure the security and assistance to the public by using the municipal police and the reinforcement of qualified private security guards.” Euro 2012 in Poland “had 1 security guard per 100 fans.” That number is “expected to rise.” The mayor of Bordeaux, one of the Euro 2016 host cities, already plans to spend more than €700,000 ($753,000) to “bolster the security in the fan-zones.” Bordeaux General Dir of City Services Frédéric Gil said, “It is a budget that provides the measures and reinforcement, but mostly the timetable and eventual risks at each match” (L’ÉQUIPE, 11/15). In Paris, Etienne Moatti reported Euro 2016 Organizing Committee President Jacques Lambert said that security is a “major issue” for the committee after the attacks Friday, but there are "no plans to change course." Lambert: “To ask the question whether Euro 2016 should be cancelled is to do the work of the terrorists. ... The concern is not new. I have said many times: ‘Security is the major issue of Euro 2016.’ That was during our candidacy, it was intensified after the events in January [with the Charlie Hebdo attacks] and even more now. It is a given with which one must deal.” When asked if the Euro could be cancelled should more terrorist attacks occur before the event in June, Lambert said, “This question far exceeds my operational responsibilities as organizer. But it is clear that for UEFA and France, it is a decision that has many consequences. Anything is possible. But it would be seen as though those who attack us have a right to do so” (L’ÉQUIPE, 11/15).
DAUNTING TASK: In London, Ian Hawkey wrote in less than seven months' time, the Stade de France is scheduled to host the opening ceremony and the "first of 51 matches of the largest European championship in history." Read the headlines of Saturday's French newspapers, and the tournament will be taking place in a country "at war," one currently under a state of emergency. French Football Federation President Noël Le Graët acknowledged that Friday's attacks have made the tournament in France "look a more daunting, higher-risk undertaking than it did 48 hours ago." Le Graët said, "Many precautions have been taken, but you can see very clearly the terrorists can strike at any moment" (SUNDAY TIMES, 11/15).
THINGS HAVE CHANGED: Also in London, Ben Nagle reported former ManU defender Rio Ferdinand believes the Paris terror attacks "will take the joy out of next summer's European Championships." The view of many has been to "stand in the face of terrorism and carry on as normal," but Ferdinand believes "things cannot be the same in the aftermath of the tragedy." The 37-year-old wrote, "No matter what people say about staying strong and moving forward as one, things have changed. Next summer, France will host the European Championships but it will be a very different tournament. Like it or not, fear will grip some to the point they simply won't go. The intense security that will undoubtedly be needed will take away the freedom and joy that these events bring" (DAILY MAIL, 11/15).
