England rugby fans were left shocked after seeing balaclava-clad snipers watching over their Rugby World Cup win over Chile.
French police have had an increasingly obvious presence at the 2023 tournament with riot police and now snipers spotted by spectators. Failings at the Stade de France for the Champions League final in Paris were noted by sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera in the build-up.
However, the use of balaclava wearing snipers has been seen as a step too far for some with armed officers already patrolling the surrounding areas. The Mail report that the presence of one sniper left England fans feeling a sense of shock at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Sunday.
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What is seen as excessive security has given supporters more concerns over safety as they also worry about hydration. Tournament organisers insist that fans are allowed to bring their own water, despite many having it confiscated, if it is smaller than 500ml and the lid is removed.
Interior minister Gerald Darmanin has said that 5100 officers would be mobilised for standard matches and 7500 for biggest games like the opener between France and New Zealand.
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The bolstered plans come after the failures from organisers at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris caused 'deep outrage around the world'.
The ongoing tournament runs until October 28 final, with another 24 of the 48 matches still to be played.
On the pitch, England went on to win the fixture 71-0 with debutant Henry Arundell scoring five tries to all-but guarantee a place in the quarter-finals.
England's rugby team will be aiming for glory in France, with Umbro supplying their kits for the tournament. It is the first time that the supplier have been handed the chance to produce the kits, with a traditional white home shirt emblazoned with the iconic red rose.
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Arundell said on ITV: "I can’t believe it, it’s a bit surreal. I finished the game and thought: 'how did that happen?'.
"It shows a real depth in this team and there are aspirations to attack and score tries. It depends on the team we are playing and the circumstances and the conditions.
"Steve [Borthwick] always says to find a way to win and that was finding a way to win."
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