“There was a big laxity on the part of the public authorities”, denounces Bruno Genesio

Three ultras supporters were arrested Tuesday, December 21 after the violence that occurred in the stands on Friday during the match between Paris Football Club and Olympique Lyonnais, as part of the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France. While the last day of the first leg of Ligue 1 football is scheduled for Wednesday, the shots of Olympique Lyonnais will therefore be under close surveillance for the match against Metz. Former OL coach Bruno Genesio has ranted against this violence.

Bruno Genesio speaks knowingly since he himself has been the victim of supporters. Thus, on September 14, 2017, when they entered the Europa League, OL conceded a draw on the ground of the modest Cypriot club Limassol. No overflows in the stands that day but a nightmare evening for Bruno Genesio. “I received death threats and insults on my phone, remembers the current Stade Rennes coach. Mour number was leaked on Twitter. There were between 400 and 500 messages, which I still have with the identified numbers. “ He denounces the inaction of justice: “I lodged a complaint but there was no follow-up.”

“It does not matter whether it happens in Lyon, Marseille, Rennes or elsewhere. There has been a great laxity on the part of the public authorities and perhaps also of our sports bodies”, denounces Bruno Genesio. The coach says it bluntly: the public authorities must take the problem head-on. “It is time for this to stop. We must finally take the necessary decisions. Unfortunately, it is a bit late but it is up to them to take their responsibilities.”

Government announcements on Thursday December 16 did not prevent violence involving Lyon supporters the next day in Paris. The disciplinary commission of the French Football Federation (FFF) is due to meet on Monday, December 26, for decisions expected the next day at the latest.