French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has reassured fans of their safety for the upcoming European Championships in France this summer.
There have been growing fears that terrorists may target the tournament in the wake of attacks in Paris and Brussels, but Valls has insisted that the necessary security measures will be in place.
“These fans zones will be secure, closed, bags will be searched and at the same time the party will take place,” he told France 2 television.
Fears over the safety of fan zones have been expressed in the 10 host cities, with those zones expected to welcome between 10,000 and 100,000 during matches.
“There will be seven to eight million people expected during the tournament, mostly in the fan zones.
"The interior minister has discussed it with the mayors of the cities which will organise the Euros. There will be the same security with the same methods, staffing that apply to the grounds.
“France is a great, modern country which is capable of assuring the security of its citizens in the face of the terrorist menace."
The tournament kicks-off on June 10th with Ireland playing their first game against Sweden three days later in Stade de France.
Irish supporters are expected to travel in numbers with over 250,000 ticket applications made from these shores.
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