Bordeaux fans banned for Nantes clash

Bordeaux fans have been banned from attending this weekend’s French league game at Nantes because of the risk of violence between hooligans.

The top government official in Nantes issued the stadium ban because of the “important risks” surrounding the match scheduled for Saturday at the Stade de La Beaujoire.

In a statement, prefect Henri-Michel Comet also cites the “terror threat” that is mobilising security forces across France following deadly attacks in Paris last November and does not allow police agents to be put off from their “primary mission.”

In March 2014, police forces intervened in downtown Nantes to prevent Nantes and Bordeaux fans from fighting, just months before violence erupted between fans from both teams at another game between the rivals.

Meanwhile, SaintEtienne reignited their quest for European football with a 1-0 win over bitter rivals Lyon in Sunday’s feisty Rhone-Alpes derby, while Marseille continued their impressive away form in Ligue 1 with a 3-1 victory at Caen.

Norway striker Alexander Soderlund marked his home debut with the decisive goal 14 minutes from time at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard to leave Saint-Etienne just two points off the Champions League places.

For Lyon, who exited the League Cup in midweek following a 2-1 defeat at holders Paris Saint-Germain, this latest loss simply yielded another disappointment in a season full of setbacks.

“We had a 10-second lapse of concentration for which we paid dearly,” rued Lyon coach Bruno Genesio. “We conceded a goal from out of nothing. It’s really disappointing.”

Both sides had entered Sunday’s clash level on 29 points and looking to keep in touch with the European places, and it was Lyon who largely bossed the first half.