Violence Erupts Between Olympique Lyonnais and PSG Supporters
On Saturday, violent clashes erupted between Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters at the Fresnes-lès-Montauban tollbooth, in Pas-de-Calais, leading to significant human and material damage. The incident occurred just hours before the final of the Coupe de France, which witnessed a fierce rivalry even before kick-off.
Olympique Lyonnais issued a press release the following day, highlighting the chaotic events and attributing a 'clear error of route' to the police escort. According to the club, buses with Lyon supporters were wrongly directed into an area designated for PSG supporters due to delays caused by traffic accidents. The error led to confrontations resulting in injuries and significant property damage.
The clashes saw at least 30 people, including 8 police officers, injured. The violence culminated in the burning of one Lyon bus and damage to four others, with several smoke bombs thrown during the disturbance. Despite the chaos, police managed to restore order rapidly.
In their statement, Olympique Lyonnais urged victims to file complaints and confirmed that they would act as a civil party in all relevant legal procedures. They also extended their gratitude to the police and bus passengers who acted quickly to rescue those aboard, particularly young children.
The French Football Federation (FFF) also condemned the violence, emphasizing that such acts are contrary to the values the sport represents. They thanked state services and the police for their swift response and reiterated that the Coupe de France should symbolize fraternity, respect, and unity.
Overall, the incident cast a dark shadow on what was supposed to be the celebration of the prestigious Coupe de France.
- Olympique Lyonnais has specifically targeted the issues with police coordination, which they believe significantly contributed to the violent outbreak. The mistake of redirecting buses into hostile areas was cited as a significant misstep in ensuring fan safety.
- Moreover, the video surveillance footage is being sought after to clarify the sequence of events and identify those responsible for the escalation of hostilities. This evidence is expected to play a crucial role in forthcoming legal actions.
