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A football match between Rennes and Greek side Olympiacos has been brought forward by a day due to a planned general strike in France next week.
The Europa League match was originally scheduled for Thursday 5 November, but will now be played a day earlier at 4:30 pm.
The decision was taken by UEFA after French unions called the general strike. European football’s governing body said it had been informed by the French authorities that the usual security arrangements around the match in Rennes could not be guaranteed that day.
Kick-off has been set for 4:30 pm to avoid overlapping with the two Champions League games scheduled for 6:45 pm, Fenerbahçe against Liverpool and AEK Athens against Real Madrid.
Rennes fans furious
The timing has angered Rennes supporters. Romain, a 33-year-old Rennes fan, told Euronews: “A match at 4:30 pm on a Wednesday is not easy for everyone.”
While he said he could make arrangements with his employer to attend the match, that is not the case for everyone. On the social media platform X, another supporter, Quentin, said he was “fuming with rage” at having “paid for a match [he] will not be able to attend”.
Under the club’s post announcing the change of date and kick-off time, numerous supporters expressed their anger, with some calling it a “disgrace” and others saying the decision showed a “lack of respect” towards fans.
Numerous matches postponed
French trade unions are calling for a general strike on 5 November as part of nationwide protests that began when students raised concerns about conditions in schools.
On Saturdays 17 and 24 October, nationwide demonstrations were organised. While “Act I” was marked by extensive damage and looting on the fringes of the marches, “Act II”, a week later, saw fewer clashes, with authorised demonstrations largely taking place peacefully.
The protests have also affected France’s domestic football championship. The Professional Football League (LFP) has already postponed several fixtures. The match between PSG and Olympique Lyonnais, initially scheduled for Sunday 25 October, was moved to the following day.
Further changes have already been announced in Ligue 1 this weekend as police and public authorities prepare for marches and demonstrations. OGC Nice will host Stade Rennais on Friday 30 October, Olympique Lyonnais will face Angers SCO on Sunday 1 November and FC Lorient will play Stade Brestois on Monday 2 November.