A comprehensive review of policing at major football events in France highlights ongoing concerns about heavy-handed and outdated tactics, particularly towards visiting supporters. The 2022 Champions League final in Paris was a flashpoint, with independent investigators warning that disaster was narrowly avoided due to poor crowd management and indiscriminate use of tear gas and pepper spray. Despite calls for reform, recent incidents involving fans from English clubs such as Newcastle, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace reveal a persistent pattern of aggressive policing, restrictive measures, and a lack of meaningful dialogue with supporters.

Authorities in France often justify their approach by citing domestic violence and disorder at matches, leading to travel bans and strict controls for away fans. Critics argue that these methods escalate tensions and create unsafe conditions, with little evidence of learning from past mistakes. Experts and fan representatives point to a closed policing culture resistant to outside input, contrasting with more engagement-focused strategies seen elsewhere in Europe. As high-profile fixtures continue to draw international visitors, concerns remain that the lessons of the past have yet to be fully addressed, leaving fans bracing for further problems.