WORLD RUGBY have insisted they are trying to "establish the facts" after crowd chaos during England's clash with Argentina.
England recorded a victory against the South Americans despite being down to 14 men for most of the game at the Stade Velodrome.
However, the game was marred by off-the-field troubles as thousands of ticket-holders missed the start of the Pool D opener in Marseille after being caught up in alarming scenes.
Many of the supporters were left concerned for their safety.
One fan called the organising of the event a "disaster" and insisted that signage was "poor" in the ground for the 67,000 attendees.
In a statement of apology, the 2023 organising committee said: “We are taking steps to improve access to the Stade Velodrome following delays which resulted in a number of fans taking their seats after kick-off.
READ MORE IN SPORT
Ivana Knoll out to become Rugby World Cup’s sexiest fan in bikini snap
2023 Rugby World Cup betting odds – Best offers for the World Cup!
“While there were no reported incidents, actions are being taken.”
England and Wales could meet in a quarter-final clash back in Marseille, raising fears of a repeat.
Organisers pledged more volunteers to help fans, public transport announcements to direct them to the right Metro stop, more information to ticket holders and access through entry points on both sides of the stadium.
They added: “Fans are the heartbeat of the tournament and we would like to apologise to those supporters affected by Saturday’s access challenges.”
Most read in Rugby Union
HAVING A BALL
Ivana Knoll out to become Rugby World Cup’s sexiest fan in bikini snap
GEOR DROPPING
England play with 14 men for 77 MINUTES but stun Argentina after Ford heroics
Blood sport
Argentina ace a bloody mess after horror head clash as England’s Curry SENT OFF
OFF YOU GO!
What are the red card rules in rugby and what is a sin bin?
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
World Rugby released a statement confirming that an investigation was underway.
It read: "We are aware of delays experienced by fans entering Stade de Marseille for the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool D match between England and Argentina this evening.
"While fans were able to take their seats, the fan experience is paramount, and we are working with all stakeholders to establish the facts and implement measures to prevent such delays for the remaining Rugby World Cup 2023 matches at the venue."
The incident has added pressure on France's ability to host major sporting events.
The tournament has been organised to take place just over a year since Liverpool fans were tear-gassed by police ahead of the Champions League final.
Supporters initially got the blame for the incident outside of the Stade de France.
However, Uefa and French bodies admitted fault and gave public apologies following a report.
The report stated: "The panel has concluded that Uefa, as event owner, bears primary responsibility for failures which almost led to disaster.
"All the stakeholders interviewed by the panel have agreed that this situation was a near-miss: a term used when an event almost turns into a mass fatality catastrophe."
Source: Read Full Article
