Ankara: French anti-racism groups SOS Racisme and Sportitude have filed a complaint with the public prosecutor in Lyon concerning two alleged racist attacks involving three people near Olympique Lyonnais' stadium. The organizations made the announcement on Thursday, following incidents that took place around the Ligue 1 match against Le Havre at Groupama Stadium on Saturday, August 29.
According to Anadolu Agency, Meriem Bouchedda, an opposition municipal councillor in Rillieux-la-Pape, reported that she and her husband endured racist insults and physical assault by a group of supporters after the match had concluded. The confrontation occurred as the couple was leaving the stadium after security had been lifted. Bouchedda recounted that several individuals attacked her husband, and she was struck while attempting to assist him, resulting in a fractured wrist, torn T-shirt, and broken glasses. Both were given 15 days of temporary medical incapacity, and Bouchedda proceeded to file a formal complaint.
In a separate incident preceding the match, a 17-year-old student returning from a futsal session was allegedly attacked by about 40 masked individuals near the stadium, some wielding batons, as reported by Le Progres. The teenager, unaffiliated with the match, faced racist insults and death threats before being beaten while on the ground. He sustained fractures to his jaw and nose and was prescribed 30 days of temporary medical incapacity. A complaint regarding this attack was also submitted.
SOS Racisme and Sportitude have urged prosecutors to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of these attacks, particularly their alleged racist nature, and called for comprehensive investigations. The organizations have also requested Olympique Lyonnais to reinforce measures against racism and violence and have offered assistance to victims and witnesses.
The football club, Olympique Lyonnais, has condemned the violence and stated its full cooperation with judicial authorities in the ongoing investigation. The club is considering joining the legal proceedings as a civil party alongside the victims and has committed to permanently banning anyone found guilty of involvement. "Olympique Lyonnais strongly condemns all forms of violence and stands with the victims," the club stated, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy towards violence, racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination.