Racist assaults near OL v Le Havre trigger legal move and CCTV demands | OneFootball

Two alleged racist assaults around OL v Le Havre on Saturday 29 August have prompted SOS Racisme and Sportitude to refer the matter to the courts and urge investigators to prioritise the racist motive.

According to Le Progres, a 17-year-old returning from a futsal session was attacked near the Groupama Stadium by about 40 masked individuals armed with batons. He was subjected to racist slurs and death threats, and suffered fractures to his jaw and nose, with 30 days of incapacity prescribed. A complaint has been filed.

Meriem Bouchedda, a municipal councillor in Rillieux-la-Pape, and her partner were also assaulted after the match, each receiving 15 days of incapacity.

The two associations argued that racism cannot be treated as a secondary factor, and that when violence is driven by origin, that dimension must be thoroughly pursued during the investigation.

Kylian Abdelli, president of SOS Racisme Lyon, called for serious scrutiny of ultra supporter groups and their alleged links to Lyon’s radical far-right scene, which he described as particularly violent.

The associations, who say they have already turned to the courts over similar incidents in 2023 and 2024, want CCTV and social media content to be examined. OL condemned the attacks and promised zero tolerance, while SOS Racisme urged stronger prevention to avert further tragedies.

Source: Le Progres

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