President Joseph S. Blatter has issued a response to the letter sent to FIFA by RC Lens President Gervais Martel on 2 March. Following incidents during the UEFA Champions League encounter between Lille and Manchester United at Lens's Stade Felix-Bollaert on 20 February, the issue of fencing around football pitches came to the fore once again.

Addressing Gervais Martel's concerns, the FIFA President explained that he was "not criticising the Stade Felix-Bollaert in particular, but the fact that international matches can be played in stadia equipped with fencing to hold in fans".

Likewise, Mr. Blatter believes it is necessary "to place trust in supporters and treat them as humanely as possible", even if stadium security is a fundamental priority.

Read President Blatter's letter