Fan violence has cast a dark cloud over new season
AS EXCITEMENT built over the summer about the return of supporters to stadia across France after the worst of the pandemic, one of the last things we thought we’d be talking about a few short months later was fan violence.
Yet, less than a fifth of the way into the season there have already been five incidents of serious trouble.
These have taken place inside and outside Ligue 1 grounds and, in some cases, on the pitch. Injuries and arrests have occurred.
No sooner have the gates been thrown open to welcome back fans after a year of lockdown than certain fixtures are now being forced to take place behind closed doors to avoid the risk of further disorder.
On August 8, Montpellier’s home
match against Marseille was interrupted when Montpellier fans threw bottles onto the pitch. One struck Marseille midfielder Valentin Rongier in the mouth, causing an injury that he later displayed on Instagram. As punishment, two stands at Montpellier’s Stade de la Mosson were shut.
On August 22, Nice fans threw bottles at Marseille’s players. One hit Dimitri Payet, who promptly threw it back. The ex-West Ham playmaker’s reaction sparked a pitch invasion that led to nasty clashes between supporters, staff and players. The match will be replayed at a neutral venue and Nice – forced to play three games behind closed doors – were docked one point.
The problem is getting worse, not better. During last weekend’s Derby du Nord between Lens and Lille, fans used seats as weapons and invaded the pitch. Lens are the latest club whose supporters are banned from attending matches.
On Wednesday night, fans fought by the side of the pitch after Angers’ 0-0 draw against Marseille. The same evening, a group of Montpellier supporters armed with weapons
ambushed a minibus of visiting Bordeaux supporters en route to the game. At least 16 people were injured.
There is no recent parallel for this number of serious incidents taking place in such a short period of time. The lack of precedence is the main reason why the authorities have been caught out. They are struggling to get the issue under control.
The risk of copycat incidents is real. As fans showcase wounds on social media, there is the threat of a new trend being born.
For now, the smartest words are very much coming from the players. Reflecting on incidents after his team’s game this week, Angers midfielder Pierrick Capelle – also an elected local councillor – said: ‘We’re delighted to have both home and away fans back. But invading the pitch is becoming a theme. Fans need to remember their role.’
A veteran of more than 200 Ligue 1 games, Montpellier striker Valere Germain went further, saying: ‘Punishments need to be tougher. If Nice had been forced to play ten or 15 games behind closed doors after their incidents in August, I’m not sure Lens fans would then have invaded the pitch last weekend.’
It is alarming to even speculate about such measures. Yet it sums up the scale of the problem France is facing right now.