Anti-racism groups file complaint over alleged attacks near Lyon stadium
French anti-racism organizations SOS Racisme and Sportitude have filed a complaint with the Lyon prosecutor’s office over two alleged racist attacks near the Groupama Stadium. The incidents occurred on August 29 around the Ligue 1 match between Olympique Lyonnais and Le Havre.
Attack after the match
Opposition municipal councillor in Rillieux-la-Pape Meryem Bouchedda said that after the match, she and her husband were subjected to racist insults and a physical attack by a group of supporters. As Anadolu Agency reports, the couple encountered the attackers while leaving the stadium after security measures had been lifted.
According to Bouchedda, several people struck her husband with their hands and feet. She was also hit when she tried to help him. The woman reported a fractured wrist, a torn T-shirt and broken glasses. Both were given 15 days of temporary incapacity, and Bouchedda filed an official complaint.
Incident involving a teenager
In a separate case before the game, a 17-year-old student returning from a futsal class was allegedly attacked by around 40 masked people, some of whom had batons. According to the regional outlet Le Progres, the teenager was not connected to the match.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
The attackers allegedly racially abused him and threatened to kill him, then beat him while he was lying on the ground. The boy suffered fractures to his jaw and nose and was given 30 days of temporary incapacity. A complaint was also filed over this incident.
SOS Racisme and Sportitude urged prosecutors to fully establish the circumstances of the attacks, including by examining their possible racist nature. The organizations also called on Olympique Lyonnais to strengthen measures against racism and violence and offered assistance to victims and witnesses.
Olympique Lyonnais condemned the violence, said it would fully cooperate with judicial authorities during the investigation, and stated that it was considering joining the proceedings as a civil party alongside the victims. The club also said it would permanently ban people whose involvement in the incidents is established.
