The French interior ministry has slapped a travel ban on Paris Saint-Germain fans for Sunday's top-of-the-table Ligue 1 clash with Marseille, with only an authorised group of some 150 supporters allowed.
It was initially announced that 400 PSG fans would make the trip to the Mediterranean coast, with some package deals offered for 340 euros ($439, 272 pounds), pricing out the majority of travelling supporters and attracting just 20 requests.
"As a result of the insufficient requests for the official trip for the match, the club has taken the decision to propose a new package for 150 euros," read a PSG statement.
The high-octane clash, which has featured numerous violent incidents over recent years, was deemed so volatile last season that a complete ban was placed on travelling fans and the small group allowed to attend this season will be heavily protected.
The 2009 fixture in Marseille saw 18 arrests and numerous injuries both near the Stade Velodrome and in parts of the city centre, prompting the ministry to intervene and ban travelling fans.
The last fatal incident involving the two clubs was in February 2010 when two factions of PSG supporters fought a raging battle near the club's Parc des Princes ground that led to the death of a 37-year-old man.
Source: AFP
