Montpellier Football Club & Authorities Forge New Security Pact for Fan Safety – Urgent Update
Montpellier, France – August 6, 2025 – As the French football season approaches, Montpellier HSC (MHSC) has announced a significant new security agreement with local and national authorities, aiming to create a safer and more welcoming atmosphere for supporters. This isn’t just about preventing trouble; it’s about reclaiming the joy of the game, officials say, and fostering a positive relationship with passionate fans – even those within the ultras groups.
A Collaborative Approach to Stadium Security
The newly signed “local security contract” brings together the MHSC, the Hérault prefecture, police forces, the justice system, and even representatives from the ultras groups. Director of Cabinet for the Hérault prefecture, Thibaut Félix, emphasized the goal: “to allow supporters to attend matches in ideal conditions, to support their team in good conditions and that we find all the beauty of this sport which must become a party again.” This marks a shift towards proactive collaboration rather than solely reactive measures.
This local initiative builds upon a broader agreement signed in June between the Professional Football League, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Sports. The aim is to clarify responsibilities and strengthen cooperation across all levels of football governance. It’s a recognition that securing a match isn’t just the club’s job, or the police’s – it’s a shared responsibility.
Addressing Past Incidents & Building Trust
The need for this enhanced security is underscored by incidents from last season, including clashes during an Olympique de Marseille (OM) match – where police deployed 75 tear gas grenades due to overcrowding – and disruptions during a match against Saint-Étienne, involving smoke bombs and a minor fire. “All this calls us to a form of start, a reaction and be sure that we are armed in front of these violence,” Félix stated.
While security agreements have existed since 2011, this new contract provides a “very precise, exhaustive and structured framework,” according to MHSC security director Pierre-Marie Grappin. Crucially, it includes direct dialogue with the ultras groups, a move intended to understand their perspectives and encourage responsible behavior. Divisional Commissioner François Bargel, a veteran of security operations in several French cities, noted, “Security is a team sport and the supporters are also actors of this.”
Visitor Management & Increased Penalties
Managing visiting supporters remains a key focus. A detailed protocol is in place, involving gendarmerie escorts from a designated “sanctuarized” area in Baillargues to the stadium. For high-risk matches, the Minister of the Interior or the prefect can impose travel bans, as seen with previous games against Nantes and Saint-Étienne. The upcoming match against Red Star will have a limited capacity of 150 visiting supporters, including 50 ultras.
Authorities are also signaling a zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior. Currently, 14 individuals face stadium bans, and officials intend to “multiply” these for offenses like setting off smoke bombs or engaging in violence. Deputy prosecutor Jean-Christophe Tixier emphasized the legal consequences: “The stadium is not an undocumented area…fines, prison terms or stadium bans up to three years” are all potential penalties.
Beyond Security: A Cultural Shift
Commissioner Bargel offered a sobering assessment: “I have been a police officer for fifteen years and it’s been fifteen years that it is anything from a certain number of supporters and that one is obliged to harden the tone.” He believes the core issue isn’t a failure of policing, but a need for a fundamental shift in the relationship to sport. “To endure his team that does not mean hating the team opposite.”
To improve the flow of fans into the Mosson stadium, which has limited access points, new barriers and excavation work are underway. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid last-minute congestion and enjoy pre-match entertainment. The hope is that a smoother entry process will contribute to a more relaxed and positive atmosphere.
The success of this new security pact hinges on a collective commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all. It’s a recognition that football is more than just a game; it’s a community, and protecting that community requires a collaborative, proactive, and understanding approach. As officials look ahead to the new season, the focus is on building a “healthy relationship” with supporters and ensuring that the beautiful game truly lives up to its name.
