Lorient Supporters In Custody For Vandalism During Matches

Two FC Lorient supporters were remanded in custody on Friday as they await trial for violence and vandalism linked to two separate Ligue 2 matches.

The accused, aged 33 and 29, were arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into incidents that took place during Lorient’s games against Ajaccio and Grenoble. The two men, one of whom is reportedly a leader of the “Merlus Ultras”, were arrested on Wednesday. The prosecution has linked one of the suspects to vandalism during the Lorient-Grenoble match on August 24, while both are implicated in violent clashes that occurred on the night of September 27-28, following Lorient’s match against Ajaccio.

Due to the complexity of the case, the defendants requested more time to prepare their defence, resulting in the postponement of their trial until 8 November. They remain in pretrial detention at the court’s request, which was supported by the prosecution.

Incidents of Vandalism and Fan Clashes

Lorient prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger detailed that, prior to the Lorient-Grenoble match, a group of masked individuals dressed in dark clothing vandalised two television production trucks parked near the Moustoir Stadium. “They threw paint and caused extensive damage,” said Kellenberger. The vandals also damaged broadcasting equipment and ignited smoke bombs, targeting a service provider for beIN Sports, which was covering the match.

The prosecutor also linked these acts to a protest by the “Merlus Ultras” against the scheduling of Ligue 2 matches, with many games now taking place on Friday evenings to suit broadcasting agreements with beIN Sports. This protest boiled over into further violence during the Lorient-Ajaccio match in September, where clashes broke out between Lorient and Ajaccio supporters in downtown Lorient.

Site Opinion

The recent arrests of the two FC Lorient supporters shed light on a growing tension between fans and the increasingly commercialised scheduling of football matches. While protests against Friday night games are not new, the escalation into violence and vandalism raises serious concerns about the influence of ultra fan groups like the “Merlus Ultras”.

Although the frustrations of supporters regarding fixture timings are understandable, targeting broadcasting companies and damaging public property only harms the sport’s image. Football authorities and broadcasters must find a way to address fans’ concerns, but violence cannot be condoned as a method of protest. The trial in November will be closely watched as a potential turning point in how such incidents are handled in French football.