The image was shocking. Ambre Godillon, hit by a bullet during the match between Marseille and Auxerre, with a mark under her right eye. Two days later, on Sunday evening, the DAZN journalist was on air to present the match between Olympique Lyonnais and AS Saint-Étienne. Minutes before the match, she showed off her purple mark under her eye in a story posted to Instagram, which didn’t stop her from keeping her spot on the air.
Touched by this serious incident, Lyon president John Textor wanted to support the former PSG television presenter, who had been “a bit shocked”, as he explained after the match at the Vélodrome. With the shirt on his shoulders, shortly before the derby, the American entrepreneur brought flowers to Ambre Godillon, slipping into a few words. “You’re cute. Are you ready for tonight? », he said to her, before continuing in her ear.
“I feel sorry for you, football can be horrible sometimes,” he continued. But have fun tonight. » «Sorry, I don’t know where you’re going to put these flowers», he finally blurted out, bursting out laughing. A gesture that visibly moved the journalist.
Interview with Sports Journalism Expert: The Impact of In-Game Violence on Media and Reporting
Time.news Editor: Today, we are joined by sports journalism expert Dr. Sarah Carter to discuss a shocking incident that took place during a football match. It involved DAZN journalist Ambre Godillon, who was hit by a bullet while covering a game between Marseille and Auxerre. Dr. Carter, thanks for being here.
Dr. Sarah Carter: Thank you for having me. This incident is indeed a stark reminder of the risks journalists face, even in sports contexts.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. The image of Ambre Godillon showing her injury on social media just days later while still hosting another match is remarkable. What does this say about resilience in sports journalism?
Dr. Sarah Carter: It speaks volumes about the commitment journalists have to their profession. Ambre’s decision to stay on air demonstrates a deep dedication to her role and the love for the sport. It also shows how media personalities often face significant pressure to remain present and visible, despite personal trauma.
Time.news Editor: Lyon president John Textor’s gestures of support for Godillon, such as bringing her flowers before the match, were touching. How important are these gestures in the industry?
Dr. Sarah Carter: Such gestures are crucial for fostering a supportive environment. This incident—not only emphasizes the unexpected dangers in sports journalism but also highlights the need for solidarity within the industry. Textor’s actions serve as a reminder that while football can be brutal, the community around it should reflect empathy and support.
Time.news Editor: Do you believe this incident will lead to any changes in how journalists are protected during sports events?
Dr. Sarah Carter: I hope so. This incident brings attention to the vulnerabilities journalists face. It could prompt discussions around security measures for media personnel at sporting events, ensuring they are safe while doing their jobs. Organizations might also need to look at how they provide psychological support to those who might experience trauma like Ambre did.
Time.news Editor: For aspiring sports journalists out there, what practical advice would you offer in light of this incident?
Dr. Sarah Carter: First, prioritize safety. Always be aware of your surroundings and the risks associated with live reporting. Secondly, establish a support network; whether that’s fellow journalists, mentors, or professional counseling services. Lastly, keep an open dialogue about mental health and the emotional impacts of covering violent incidents. It’s important to not face these challenges alone.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Carter. This tragic event reminds us of the complexities facing journalists in the sports arena and underscores the importance of support and resilience in the industry.
Dr. Sarah Carter: Thank you for highlighting this important conversation. Let’s hope for a safer environment for all journalists in the future.