World Rugby and Rugby World Cup organisers have apologised to fans and said it is “taking steps to improve access” after the chaotic scenes outside the Stade de Marseille before England’s World Cup match against Argentina.
Delays getting into the stadium meant many fans missed the start of England’s 27-10 win.
Ex-England hooker Brian Moore described the scenes as “beyond shambolic”.
Times Sport reporter Will Kelleher posted a clip ahead of the match from outside the Stade Vélodrome as thousands of fans were trying to make kick-off.
One fan said the gate they tried to enter did not open until 8pm for an 8:30pm kick off.
Speaking about the scenes at the stadium, England fan Pierre told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: “It wasn’t good. The main entrance to the whole stadium is one funnel, where it was just chaos.”
“When we got out of the station at the stadium, there was an overwhelming number of people as there are just two entry points,” said another England supporter Tim Chamberlain.
Moving Forward
World Rugby have issued an apology and outlined steps that have been taken to rectify the situation for future matches.
“We would like to apologise to fans impacted by yesterday’s access challenges,” World Rugby said.
“We are working hard to enhance the experience for all visiting Marseille for Rugby World Cup 2023.”
World Rugby said it had launched an investigation into the events and listed the changes the governing body would be making “to reassure fans visiting Marseille” for the tournament.
The changes include deploying more volunteers to welcome and direct fans to the correct entry points, increasing announcements on public transport to advise supporters on using the right metro stops, and opening the stadium plaza three hours before kick-off.
World Rugby also said it would communicate key information directly to ticket holders, including gate opening times, entry points and about transport to the stadium.
Speaking about the scenes at the stadium, England fan Pierre told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: “It wasn’t good. The main entrance to the whole stadium is one funnel, where it was just chaos.”
“When we got out of the station at the stadium, there was an overwhelming number of people as there are just two entry points,” said England supporter Tim Chamberlain.
