World Cup organisers apologise to fans caught up in pre-England match crushes

General view outside the stadium ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match at the Stade de Marseille. Pic: Andrew Matthews/PA

World Cup organisers have apologised to fans caught up in the chaotic scenes outside the Stade Velodrome before England’s match against Argentina on Saturday night.

Thousands of ticket holders missed the start of the Pool D opener because of the limited number of entry points and turnstiles, insufficient staffing levels and extensive security checks.