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France Interior Ministry bans Paris Saint-Germain fans vs. Bastia

Paris Saint-Germain fans have been banned from making the trip to support their side in Saturday's league game at Bastia.

Bastia have had recurring problems with violence at matches in recent seasons, and clashes between rival supporters at their opening league game of the current campaign against Marseille left a number of people in hospital.

PSG have also had their troubles with violent factions within their support, and France's Interior Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday in which it explained it could not risk further disturbances.

"Relations between supporters of SC Bastia and Paris Saint-Germain have been tainted with animosity for a number of years, as testified to by the recurrent serious public order incidents at matches between the two clubs," the statement read, adding "a high risk of serious incidents" existed at the upcoming game at the Stade Furiani.

Fans attempting to travel to the game by sea or air will be stopped by the authorities.

PSG's support has been notorious for its hooligan elements, though incidents at home games have been significantly reduced since former club president Robin Leproux put in action a plan to clean up the French champions' image in 2010, an initiative that has been continued by the current Qatari owners.

With many reputedly violent supporters' groups banned from the Parc des Princes, they have reportedly been involved in other incidents, notably the running street battles ahead of the derby between Paris FC and Red Star in September that led to 32 arrests and left four people injured.