Daily Reports
AS Saint-Etienne's Triumphant Return to Ligue 1 Marred by Chaos
The AS Saint-Etienne football team, affectionately known as the Greens, secured their place in Ligue 1 after a hard-fought draw against Metz (2-2) on Sunday. The euphoric celebration by 2,000 supporters around Saint-Etienne airport quickly turned chaotic, resulting in significant damage to the airport facilities.
Upon the team's arrival at Andrézieux-Bouthéon airport around midnight, an outpouring of emotion ensued, characterized by cries of joy, firecrackers, and smoke bombs. Despite attempts by gendarmes using tear gas, the most fervent supporters dismantled fences and broke the glass entrance door to the terminal hall to access the tarmac. The airport management, distressed by the events, announced plans to file a complaint.
François Driol, president of the airport's board of directors, expressed regret that these incidents were not better anticipated. While the material damage was still being assessed on Monday morning, it was evident that the cost would be substantial. An access gate to the runways was also breached, compromising the safety of three parked planes.
The chaos did not halt at the airport. Around 200 supporters had gathered at the club's headquarters in Étrat, awaiting the team's arrival. It took over an hour for the team's bus to navigate just 250 meters amidst a throng of jubilant fans and smoke bombs. The night’s events concluded only after 2 a.m., as staff members finally left the premises.
This celebration stands in stark contrast to the scene in May 2022, when AS Saint-Etienne was relegated to Ligue 2 following a match against Auxerre that resulted in a violent outbreak among supporters. Two years later, the club's successful return to Ligue 1 has restored their place in French football, as stated by the Greens' coach, Olivier Dall'Oglio: "We put AS Saint-Étienne in their place."
- Saint-Etienne's football history is illustrious, with ten Ligue 1 titles - the most won by any French club. Their fall to Ligue 2 in 2022 was a significant blow to the club and its supporters.
- The dramatic relegation, marked by a fierce fanbase angered by poor management, left a bitter memory. The recent promotion has been a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of the team under the new management.
- Security measures and logistics surrounding high-stakes matches and celebrations are an ongoing challenge for sports organizations and local authorities.
