Luis Enrique pleas with PSG fans as clash with fierce rivals Marseille in danger of being called off over fear of homophobic chants

PSG's top-of-the-table clash with Marseille is likely to be a heated affair in part due to the return of Adrien Rabiot to the Parc des Princes, with the midfielder having come through French side's academy prior to joining their rivals last year. The battle has led to an increase in the number of law enforcement officers, according to RMC Sport, with concerns that the match could be suspended if "discriminatory and insulting chants" are heard by fans.

Fan trouble has been prevalent in France and Marseille are set to travel to Paris without their supporters due to a ban on away supporters in this fixture since 2015. Marseille's fans have already been handed bans this season in earlier matches against teams such as Lyon and Saint-Etienne due to concerns over their behaviour. The reverse fixture between the sides ended with a 3-0 win for PSG away in Marseille in October. That match was marred by homophobic chants from PSG fans, resulting in a statement from Ligue 1 condemning the supporters.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Luis Enrique said: "I've only played three Classiques, only one at home. We know it will be a special match for everyone, for the players but especially for our fans. My thinking is always the same: our fans are very important to us, we need their support in every match, in every competition. We appreciate the way they never give up and encourage us throughout the season. They've always been behind us, and I'd like to have that support until the end of the season.

"With this level of excitement, I think the fans should focus on our team first and foremost, enjoy what we're doing, and respect the opponent. There's no better indifference than not devoting a single moment to the opponent and focusing on cheering for our team. That's my opinion, that's what I want, and I hope that's what happens."

PSG are desperate to avoid any disruption as they look to seal another Ligue 1 title, with Luis Enrique's side sitting 16 points clear of Marseille with nine games remaining. Having secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League this week, PSG know that any postponement of their game against Marseille would only add to their intense schedule for the remainder of the season.