Nine individuals have been apprehended by French authorities in connection with a violent assault on buses transporting the Olympique Lyon team and their supporters in Marseille. The attack resulted in coach Fabio Grosso sustaining a head injury and the postponement of the scheduled game. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin reported that five police officers were also injured during the Sunday night incident, which has raised concerns about football-related violence across the nation.
Despite the severity of the attack, it is unlikely that the nine-time French champions will face disciplinary sanctions. The incident occurred outside the Vélodrome stadium, placing responsibility on public authorities rather than the club. A French league committee responsible for scheduling competitions has taken charge of the case instead of the discipline commission.
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The assault occurred as the team bus was en route to the Stade Vélodrome, resulting in damage to several windows. Fabio Grosso suffered injuries from shards of glass, requiring medical attention and stitches for a deep cut above his left eye, along with a large bandage around his head. Olympique Lyon’s assistant coach, Raffaele Longo, was also injured, and buses carrying Lyon fans were targeted as well.
Olympique Lyon Attack Gets International Attention
The incident has gained international attention and comes at an inopportune time for the French league, which is in the midst of negotiations for the sale of its TV rights abroad. Recently, the league had to cancel the auction for domestic broadcast rights for the 2024-2029 period due to insufficient bids meeting the minimum price requirement.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino emphasized the incompatibility of violence with soccer, both on and off the field, and called on competent authorities to take appropriate measures via Instagram.
France’s Sports Minister, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, urged a “global response” and emphasized that the French league, the teams, and fan groups should all share responsibility. She called for stricter measures against troublemakers during an interview on France-2 television. She and Minister Darmanin defended the police protection provided for the Lyon team, despite its inability to prevent the attack.
Marseille president Pablo Longoria condemned the attack, deeming it unacceptable, and wished Fabio Grosso a swift recovery. He lamented the fact that a small group’s thoughtless actions spoiled the evening and prevented 65,000 fans from enjoying the soccer match.
Tensions between the teams have been ongoing, notably since a violent brawl between the Olympique Marseille and Olympique Lyon fans a decade ago that left 17 people injured. Both clubs have been facing recent challenges, with Marseille struggling in form and Lyon yet to secure a win in the league.
