World Rugby investigates fan chaos in Marseille

Rugby's global governing body says it is investigating reports of chaotic scenes among fans attempting to enter the Stade Velodrome in Marseille ahead of England's 27-10 victory over Argentina.

The incident brought back uncomfortable memories of the organisational fiasco in Paris last year ahead of the 2022 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool.

"We are aware of delays experienced by fans entering Stade de Marseille for the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool D match between England and Argentina match this evening," World Rugby said in a statement late on Saturday night.

"While fans were able to take their seats, fan experience is paramount, and we are working with all stakeholders to establish the facts and implement measures to prevent such delays for the remaining Rugby World Cup 2023 matches at the venue."

In May last year, the Champions League final at the Stade de France was delayed by 37 minutes as fans struggled to get into the national stadium after police funnelled them into overcrowded bottlenecks as they approached.

Police then fired tear gas towards thousands of mainly Liverpool supporters locked behind metal fences outside the stadium.

Ahead of the Rugby World Cup, France's interior minister Gerald Darmanin and Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera told reporters they were "confident" and had "learned lessons" from the football showpiece.

But some fans struggling to get into the Stade Velodrome on Saturday night claimed on social media that they feared for their safety.