There are various reasons why the Stadio Artemio Franchi is practically empty for tonight’s Conference League game between Fiorentina and Maccabi Haifa.

It kicks off at the Stadio Franchi at 17.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Slavia Praha-Milan, Atalanta-Sporting and Brighton-Roma on the LIVEBLOG.

It was announced last night that 6,700 tickets had been sold for the match, including circa 800 visiting supporters from Israel.

The first leg, which the Viola won 4-3, was played on neutral turf in Budapest due to the on-going war.

Also because of that situation and the fear of potential terrorist attacks, the security measures in Florence have been extraordinary.

Several roads have been closed down since yesterday, extra police were assigned to look after the visiting fans, while everyone including those in the VIP and media sections go through at least four different levels of checks.

Bags and power banks are not allowed into the stadium, bomb-sniffing dogs were in action both around and inside the stadium, even checking the benches.

As it is a working weekday and a rather early kick-off, with all the added security checks meaning fans are ordered to be in their seats at least 30 minutes before the game begins, the vast majority of supporters simply stayed away.

The ultras are also protesting the enhanced measures, insisting they will not take their seats as expected and “it will be up to those in charge to decide whether or not to let us in.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *