Health passes looming as crowds return - but where's the backlash?
Scott Burton on why a Diane crowd of 5,000 may need to prove it is Covid-clear
The advent of meaningful crowds for the latter stages of the French Open tennis tournament next month will bring with it a requirement to present the French government's new digital health pass. So why haven't you read about heated bust-ups on television news panel debates, or a protest march up the Avenue Gordon Bennett to the front gates of Roland Garros?
Don't worry, you haven't missed anything. The return of sporting crowds of up to 5,000 on June 9 looks set to be a milestone along France's road out of a third national lockdown, where the country's under-reported pragmatism trumps its more famous flair for disagreement and disorder.
The first step towards racecourses and other venues opening up comes on Wednesday, when up to 1,000 people or 35 per cent of capacity will be allowed back on track.
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