OTHER Standard fans will be welcome at Lotto Park for the Clasico against Anderlecht for the first time in almost two years on Sunday. It's the first time away fans will be allowed to attend since December 2023. Back then, a cup match was halted after flare-up incidents, after which both clubs agreed to a "cooling-off period."
Although the doors will reopen, restrictions will apply. Only 680 Standard fans will be allowed in, and two sections will remain empty to create a buffer zone. "That decision comes from the municipality," emphasizes Anderlecht spokesperson Mathias Declercq. Standard fans are disappointed: "We have to turn people down, while a Clasico without our fans isn't a real Clasico," says Pascal Beuckelaers of the supporters' association Famille des Rouches.
Security measures remain strict: a combined system with mandatory bus transportation, searches at the entrance, and separation between the two supporter groups. Mayor Fabrice Cumps calls it "a test." If everything goes smoothly, Standard hopes the second leg in Sclessin can go ahead without restrictions.
Yet, tension remains. "We're holding our breath and hoping things stay calm," says Beuckelaers. Anderlecht remains optimistic: "We trust the fans will take responsibility. Matches without away fans are not the intention," concludes Declercq.
Source: © Internal source
