PSG ultras reportedly present at Paris FC-Lyon crowd trouble
RMC Sport report this afternoon that the investigation carried out by the Paris public prosecutor on Friday night’s crowd trouble at the Paris FC-Lyon fixture also involved a group of PSG ultras.
More specifically, video footage has shown that the “La Porte 411” group were at the Stade Charléty, as the cup tie was abandoned at half-time amid flare-throwing and pitch invasions. Around 20 of these “supporters” have been identified in the chaos that ensued, along with those in the Lyon away end.
Identifying many the hooligans has nevertheless posed a problem, given that many of them were wearing balaclavas. Investigators have nevertheless noted that there was an intention to spark a fight between the Parisian and Lyon hooligans. The fact that the 120 Lyon fans’ train was late – leading to them entering the stadium 20 minutes after kick-off – appears to have helped avoid bigger clashes outside the ground.
Lyon had asked before the game for their own security to manage the away stand, with 15 stewards placed in front of it. In the pre-match meeting, no risk regarding this end of the ground was brought up. The authorities had not classed the match as high-risk, despite knowing about the potential presence of PSG ultras before the game. Paris FC are also investigating whether the Lyon fans were helped in bringing in the firecrackers into the stadium.
Speaking to RMC, Paris FC president Pierre Ferracci has announced that he would lodge a formal complaint against two Lyon supporters’ groups. Ferracci has stated that these groups protect the individuals at fault, and that Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has not done enough to contain the situation.
The FFF’s disciplinary commission has launched an investigation, with sanctions set to be handed down before December 8.