Sports · Football · 8 hrs ago
Rennes fans protest Europa League match moved to 16:30
Rennes face Olympiakos in the Europa League on Wednesday at 16:30, a day earlier than planned.
The match was due to be played on Thursday, when unions had called for social mobilisation.
Ille-et-Vilaine authorities said they could not provide enough security for a match on the day of the demonstrations.
UEFA moved the game, and the new afternoon time has upset many supporters who work then or cannot change their plans.
Some fans have had to take a day off or cancel their tickets, and attendance at Roazhon Park is expected to be low.
The Roazhon Celtic Kop will stay silent for 15 minutes in protest, then support the team.
Rennes says it will offer tickets to young people and amateur clubs to help keep the match lively.
UEFA moved Rennes’ Europa League match against Olympiakos to Wednesday, November 4, at 16:30, a day earlier than planned.
The match was rescheduled after the Ille-et-Vilaine prefecture said it could not provide enough security for the planned Thursday date amid a union-led mobilisation.
Many Rennes supporters say the new time conflicts with work and could leave the Roazhon Park crowd sparse.
The Roazhon Celtic Kop plans not to lead chants during the match’s first 15 minutes.
Rennes said it would offer tickets to young people and amateur clubs to help maintain a festive atmosphere.
- Who
- Rennes supporters, including the Roazhon Celtic Kop, and Olympiakos.
- What
- Rennes’ Europa League match against Olympiakos was moved to 16:30 on Wednesday, November 4. The Roazhon Celtic Kop plans not to lead chants for the first 15 minutes.
- When
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 16:30. It had been scheduled for Thursday, November 5.
- Where
- Roazhon Park in Rennes, France.
- Why
- The Ille-et-Vilaine prefecture said it could not provide enough security for Thursday because of planned union-led mobilisation. UEFA moved the match to Wednesday.
Rennes supporters
UEFA
Reason for the change
Rennes supporters
Supporters object to the afternoon kickoff and the change of date, which they say prevents some from attending.
UEFA
UEFA moved the match after the prefecture said it could not provide enough security for the original date.
Effect on the match
Rennes supporters
Supporters expect a reduced crowd and a weaker atmosphere.
UEFA
Not stated
The match was originally scheduled for this date, when union-led mobilisation was planned.
The Ille-et-Vilaine prefecture said it could not provide enough security for the planned Thursday event.
UEFA moved the match against Olympiakos to 16:30.
The Roazhon Celtic Kop plans not to lead chants during this part of the match.
- Match
- Rennes vs Olympiakos
- Competition
- Europa League
- Rescheduled kickoff
- Wednesday, November 4, at 16:30
- Original date
- Thursday, November 5
- Venue
- Roazhon Park, Rennes
- Planned protest
- Roazhon Celtic Kop to stay silent for the first 15 minutes
3 sources
What people are saying
Roazhon Park always has a special atmosphere in Europe
I understand that it’s not Stade Rennais’s fault, but I’d like there to be some kind of gesture for supporters.
Many loyal supporters find themselves deprived of this match even though they bought their tickets well before the draw.
To maintain the festive and popular character of this European match, Stade Rennais F.C. will introduce a ticketing policy aimed at young people and amateur clubs.