A handshake there, a few words here, Gil Avérous, Minister of Sport, Youth and Community Life, offered himself a little immersion in the world of rugby this Sunday evening at the Jean-Bouin stadium during the derby between Stade Français and Racing 92 One of the passing points of his stadium tour which started on Friday in Troyes during the Ligue 2 football match against Grenoble.
“It’s important to get in touch with the fans here,” he said before taking to the stands next to Florian Grill, president of the FFR. The objective is to change the relationship between the government and the fans, listen to them, visit them on site, listen to their requests to manage the conflict situations that we see every weekend in the stadiums, try to respond to the abuse and put an end to it. The conversation is at a standstill. We will not allow verbal or physical violence to continue. »
“PSG takes individual sanctions”
In front of the good-natured audience of a dispassionate Top 14 derby, the exchanges and dialogue flowed naturally. But what will it be elsewhere? Like at the Parc des Princes, for example, where homophobic chants were heard on 20 October against Strasbourg in Ligue 1, then pro-Palestinian support lined up on 6 November before the Champions League match against Atlético de Madrid. “I will go to all the stadiums,” insisted the minister. For four weeks at a fast pace then I will continue throughout the year, spacing out the visits. We won’t give up. We often talk about PSG, but I cite PSG as an example. It takes individual fines and trade disqualifications whenever a troublemaker is spotted and identified. No one is safe from deviance. » There have already been meetings between the club and the ministry.
Gil Avérous also launched an appeal to football fans. “I tell them: we can help you,” he continued. I am not in favor of systematically banning the circulation of fans, but if there is anomalous, deviant or violent behavior, it will be indefensible. »
What are the main goals of Gil Avérous’ recent stadium tour regarding fan engagement?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sports Expert on Gil Avérous’ Recent Stadium Tour
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to our special segment on the evolving relationship between sports governance and fans. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Carter, a sports sociology expert who has studied fan interactions across various sports. Emily, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to delve into this important topic.
Time.news Editor: Recently, Gil Avérous, France’s Minister of Sport, Youth and Community Life, undertook a tour of several sports events, including a rugby derby at the Jean-Bouin stadium. He emphasized the significance of connecting with fans directly. What are your thoughts on this approach?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s a fascinating initiative. By immersing himself in the sports environment, Avérous is acknowledging that fans are a crucial part of the sports ecosystem. His presence at these events can help bridge the gap between government policies and the experiences of fans. This direct engagement is vital for understanding the culture and issues present in stadiums today.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, and he mentioned the goal of changing the relationship between the government and fans. How do you see this shift impacting fan experiences and the overall atmosphere at sporting events?
Dr. Emily Carter: This could lead to significant improvements. When fans feel heard and valued, it cultivates a sense of community and loyalty. By addressing conflict situations—like those we’ve seen in stadiums—it is possible to create a safer and more enjoyable environment. A proactive approach like this could foster a more welcoming atmosphere, both for seasoned fans and newcomers.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned conflict situations. Given the issues we’ve witnessed in stadiums across sports, what strategies do you think could be effective for Avérous as he gathers insights from fans?
Dr. Emily Carter: Listening is key, but action is crucial. Avérous should consider implementing regular forums or focus groups involving various fan representatives, alongside measures like enhanced security protocols or initiatives that promote respectful behavior in stadiums. This collaborative effort can contribute to a culture of loyalty and respect, ultimately reducing incidents of conflict.
Time.news Editor: That makes perfect sense. Would you say that this approach could also enhance the overall attendance at games?
Dr. Emily Carter: Definitely. When fans see that their concerns are taken seriously and their voices matter, it creates investment not just in the teams but in the entire experience of attending games. As a result, we may witness a resurgence in attendance, as barriers for new fans are lowered and existing fans feel a deeper connection.
Time.news Editor: Interesting perspective! As Avérous continues his stadium tour, what would you recommend he keeps in mind when interacting with fans?
Dr. Emily Carter: He should approach these interactions with genuine curiosity and openness. Fans often have a wealth of knowledge about their experience and the culture surrounding the sport. Valuing their input will create a more honest dialog and potentially yield actionable solutions to the challenges facing sports today.
Time.news Editor: Those are insightful recommendations, Emily. To wrap up, as we observe the effects of Avérous’ initiatives, what is your hopeful vision for the future of fan and government relations in sports?
Dr. Emily Carter: I envision a landscape where fans are co-creators of their sports culture, not just passive consumers. With ongoing engagement and a commitment to resolving issues, we can foster a sports environment that is inclusive, vibrant, and considerate of all voices. That’s truly the essence of community in sports.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s clear that the role of governance in sports can significantly shape the fan experience, and we look forward to seeing how these developments unfold.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how this progresses.
Time.news Editor: That’s all for today. Thank you for joining us, and stay tuned for more insights on the intersection of sports and society.