Nine Brest ultras on trial over RN12 ambush of Lens fans after 1-3 defeat | OneFootball

Nine Brest ultras stand trial on Monday over an alleged ambush on a convoy of Lens fans after the 20 April 2025 match. They are accused of taking part in an armed gathering while concealing their faces.

According to L'Équipe, the attack occurred on the RN 12, near Gouesnou, after Brest’s 1-3 defeat to Lens. Masked assailants used projectiles and metal bars, and footage showed a ripped-off car door before police intervened to protect the away fans.

Police arrested 22 people on four June, and seven cases were later dropped for insufficiently characterised offences. Nine now go before Brest’s criminal court, while others face swift-penalty and plea procedures, and the prosecutor declined to comment.

The defendants, aged 20 to 34, face up to five years in prison if convicted. Five also face counts of obstructing traffic, some are said to have ultra-right links, and eight of the nine are from Finistère.

Authorities threatened to dissolve two Ty Zefs groups, Celtic Ultras 2001 and Ultras Brestois 1990, a step later avoided. Defence lawyer Arnaud Le Reun aims to destigmatise ultras, arguing they are more active in tifos and charity than violence. At least three of those on trial are also reported to be linked to Section West, a dissident far-right group.

Source: L'Équipe