2023-10-30 22:00:54
By mentioning the many precedents, we would almost come to speak of custom… Sunday evening, the coaches of the players and other Lyon faithful were targeted by a few dozen individuals, injuring the coach Fabio Grosso as well as his assistant Raffaele Longo, and causing the cancellation of the meeting and a very probable postponement to a later date (December 6?). Seven people were placed in police custody for “projectile throwing near the Vélodrome stadium” – on the buses of the Lyon faithful – or “violence against people holding public authority”.
A change of route that raises questions
A fine connoisseur of the stands at the Vélodrome analyzes: “In my opinion, the stone-breaking of the Lyon players’ bus was done by isolated little shits. But for the Lyon supporters’ buses, they are more independent or members of a few Marseille ultra groups who wanted to fight directly, particularly in view of the antagonism between rival groups. »
In the videos broadcast on However, our source wonders about the security system put in place, which actually appears perhaps insufficient: “Normally, the buses of opposing players and supporters always pass through Boulevard Rabatau then along Parc Chanot via Rue Raymond Teisseire before taking the Ray Grassi alley to finish in the Vélodrome tunnel. There, the route was modified and they passed through Boulevard de Sainte-Marguerite before arriving at the Sainte-Marguerite Dromel metro station. At the moment, it is under construction and it is often blocked during the day so I do not understand why this was not anticipated by the public authorities. »
No unmarked bus for OL
The videos speak for themselves and effectively geolocate the place where the clashes took place. Located in the 8th arrondissement, the Vélodrome is one of the rare venues in France located in the city center, imposing decisive security, regulation and traffic challenges. As such, the buses of opposing players and supporters never arrive – or very very rarely – in the blue and white setting via the Prado or Boulevard Michelet, roads that are far too congested by Marseille fans alone. The Lyon delegation was at the Nhow hotel on the Corniche and had to make a major detour to reach the Vélodrome, which may raise questions.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that these opposing buses have been targeted. In August 2021, a big fight broke out between ultras from Marseille and Bordeaux near the stadium. In November 2019, the OL bus had already seen a window break under the impact of a projectile. In May of the same year and in September 2016, he was also stoned… and the list is not exhaustive. During the presidency of Jean-Michel Aulas, the Lyon leader refused to follow the recommendations of the prefecture to use an unmarked vehicle and wanted to go to the Vélodrome with the club’s official bus – non-armored, like that of PSG for example. – what happened on Sunday. This choice obviously in no way excuses the irresponsible behavior of some locals.
“I am in no way justifying the stupid attitude of some people, but the location of the Vélodrome can pose a problem. This type of event cannot take place at Groupama Stadium for example because it is on the outskirts and its access is much simpler,” says a southbound subscriber present in the Rhone enclosure last season. A trip that should no longer be permitted for a long time from now on…
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