Violence erupted once again in French football as a journalist was attacked and a child with cancer was jostled in separate incidents during the Ajaccio v Marseille match. Ajaccio secured a tense 1-0 victory against their regional rivals on the island of Corsica, but the post-match atmosphere turned hostile.
After the game, a journalist from France 3 TV was assaulted by Marseille supporters at a filling station near the stadium. The journalist sustained facial wounds and was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment. Ajaccio’s chief prosecutor, Nicolas Septe, confirmed that initial evidence pointed to serious acts of violence committed by a group of individuals, whose identities are being investigated. While the journalist’s injuries were serious, they were not life-threatening.
In another distressing incident, a child suffering from cancer, who had been invited to meet the Marseille players, was jostled along with his parents by Ajaccio supporters within the stadium. The Corsican club denounced the behavior of these individuals as “unspeakable” and stated that they would pursue legal action once the culprits were identified.
The mayor of Ajaccio, Stephane Sbraggia, expressed concern over the incidents, highlighting a disheartening loss of values. These acts of violence marred the spirit of the match and raised serious questions about fan behavior and security measures.
This disturbing occurrence came just a day after another incident of violence in French football. In Bordeaux, during a match between Bordeaux and Rodez, a fan invaded the pitch and forcefully pushed Rodez player Lucas Buades, who had just scored. The assault resulted in the match being abandoned, and four individuals were subsequently arrested, including the alleged aggressor.
The French league (LFP) will convene to address the recent incidents, which have cast a shadow over the final night of the Ligue 2 season. These acts of violence serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need to prioritize fan safety, implement stricter security measures, and take decisive action against those responsible for such reprehensible behavior.