With a bruise under her right eye, Ambre Godillon still bears the physical mark of the bullet received on Friday 9 November at the Vélodrome stadium during the opening match of the 11th matchday of L 1 between OM and Auxerre (1-3). But the DAZN journalist, again on the L’Équipe channel, also says she is the victim of a wave of cyberharassment by online pseudo-fans. Once the first messages of support passed, the young woman saw a change in tone on social media.
“I just tell myself that there are definitely idiots in stadiums and that they shouldn’t have anything to do there. But if I can take the opportunity to talk about it, for two days I’ve still been feeling a sort of wave of reverse cyberharassment, he told the Team. I have to admit I received a lot of messages from across the profession and I thought it was fantastic. But on the contrary, the Marseille fans, from the moment the club spread the idea that it was accidental… A priori I should, according to all those who attack me, apologize today because it was accidental. »
Please note that, according to the images broadcast since then, a projectile (which could be an electronic cigarette) was launched from the top of the stand before accidentally bouncing off the blue tarpaulin covering the players’ exit, before slipping and touching Ambre Godillon at face height. But the journalist is not at all convinced of the concept of an accident.
“I would like to point out that a launch is not random. The story of the tarpaulin, if we want to drown and tell the narrative we want, of a bouncing object… The fact remains that I was between the two side lines and that the jet arrived between these two side benches, he explains. And it wasn’t by the Holy Spirit that got there. The tarpaulin, I thank it for being there to slow this object down. But in any “accidental” case, I would like us to measure these words and just know that the person who needs to apologize in the story is not me. »
Interview: Time.news Editor Meets Ambre Godillon on Safety and Cyberharassment in Sports Journalism
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Ambre. It’s truly a challenging time for you, both physically and emotionally, after the incident at the Vélodrome stadium. How are you feeling today?
Ambre Godillon: Thank you for having me. It’s been a tough few days, but I’m trying to stay strong. The physical wounds may heal, but the emotional scars from the cyberharassment are harder to deal with.
Editor: That’s completely understandable. You were there to cover a football match, and instead faced violence and harassment. Can you walk us through what happened that day and the aftermath?
Ambre: Certainly. During the match, a bullet struck me, resulting in a bruise under my right eye. It was shocking—not just the physical pain, but the realization that I was in a place meant for fun and community. Following the initial outpouring of support, I was surprised and disheartened to encounter a wave of cyberharassment from some individuals online, who chose to blame me rather than condemn the violence.
Editor: That shift must have been troubling. How did the initial support from your peers contrast with the negativity that followed?
Ambre: At first, the messages were overwhelmingly kind and supportive. It felt like the community had rallied around me. However, as the buzz died down, I began to receive vitriolic comments instead—many from anonymous accounts claiming to be “fans.” It was a stark reminder of how quickly public sentiment can turn toxic.
Editor: It certainly is a stark contrast. You mentioned that there are “definitely idiots in stadiums” who shouldn’t be there. What do you think can be done to prevent such incidents in the future?
Ambre: It’s crucial to implement stricter security measures at sports events—this applies not only to physical safety but also to monitoring online behavior. There should be zero tolerance for violence and harassment. Social media platforms also need to take responsibility for allowing abuse to fester. Creating a safer environment both in stadiums and online is imperative.
Editor: Your experience highlights the urgent need for change in many areas. What message would you want to convey to aspiring journalists who may face similar challenges in their careers?
Ambre: I’d tell them to stay resolute and remember their worth. Journalism is about giving a voice to the voiceless and bringing truths to light, even when facing adversity. Surround yourself with a supportive network, and don’t hesitate to speak out against abuse—like I am trying to do now.
Editor: Wise words, Ambre. As we move forward, what do you hope to see change in the culture of sports journalism and fan interactions?
Ambre: I hope for a culture that promotes respect and dignity for all, where accountability is taken seriously—both by those who attend games and those who engage with any public figure online. It’s about fostering a community where we can enjoy sports without fear of violence or harassment.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences, Ambre. Your courage to speak out is commendable, and we wish you a swift recovery and continued strength in your advocacy for a safer environment.
Ambre: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the platform to share my story.
