The Standard
Words: Guirec Munier
Images: Guirec Munier
The Hell of Sclessin under the lights.
In the background, the old blast furnaces, barely visible on the other side of the Meuse.
The intoxicating smell of fries wafting from the stalls on rue Ernest Solvay. Jupiler beer pouring freely into the cups of the Cup Café, just a few meters from Les Rouches’ stadium.
©Guirec Munier/ Terrace Edition Cup Café. Liège.
At night, in Liège or elsewhere, the atmosphere is unique. Senses are heightened. Hearts beat as one.
The Stade Maurice-Dufrasne, more commonly known as the Stade de Sclessin, has truly earned its nickname, "Hell of Sclessin", since the late 1950s.
Lively during Standard Liège's glory days, the four stands, particularly T3 and T4, which today house the Ultras Inferno 96, Hell Side 81, and Publik Hysteric Kaos 04, are among the most passionate stands in Belgium.
©Guirec Munier/ Terrace Edition. Standard de Liège.
Renowned throughout Europe for their spectacular tifos and left-wing political leanings, the Ultras Inferno 96 perfectly embody the spirit of Liège: a working-class, multicultural, resilient, and open-minded city.
While the mixed results of recent seasons have somewhat dampened the fervor, it wouldn't take much to reignite the flame.
A fiery Clasico against rivals Anderlecht, for example. Or perhaps the return of electrifying European nights at Sclessin.
©Guirec Munier/ Terrace Edition. Standard de Liège.
A path fraught with obstacles, like this match played in freezing temperatures against Zulte Waregem. A lacklustre 0-0 draw.
A match that provided an opportunity to pay tribute to two Standard Liège supporters who recently passed away.
Before kick-off, a minute's silence was observed for Keko of Ultras Inferno 96 and Florentin of Publik Hysteric Kaos 04, a reminder that football remains a place of unity and respect.
©Guirec Munier/ Terrace Edition. Standard de Liège.
©Guirec Munier/ Terrace Edition. Standard de Liège.
©Guirec Munier/ Terrace Edition. Standard de Liège.
©Guirec Munier/ Terrace Edition. Restaurant. Liège
©Guirec Munier/ Terrace Edition. Food truck. Standard de Liège.
©Guirec Munier/ Terrace Edition. Standard de Liège.
©Guirec Munier/ Terrace Edition. Standard de Liège.
©Guirec Munier/ Terrace Edition. Standard de Liège.
Guirec is on Instagram: @jeanprouffisonfire
