Proposed Dissolution of Ultras Groups in France Faces Public Backlash
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau's initiative to dissolve supporter groups encounters protests and criticisms amidst ongoing security concerns.
The procedure to dissolve several ultras supporter groups in France, initiated by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, has sparked significant public outcry.
A demonstration organized in Saint-Etienne on March 29 saw thousands of protestors rally against the proposed disbandment of the local supporter groups, Magic Fans and Green Angels, ahead of a Ligue 1 match between AS Saint-Etienne and Paris Saint-Germain.
The slogan 'A cauldron does not dissolve,' referring to the nickname of the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, resonated strongly among the demonstrators.
Both groups, founded in 1991 and 1992 respectively, are part of a wider crackdown on various supporter groups across France, where a total of five are currently targeted for dissolution.
The Ministry of the Interior has cited allegations of violence against these groups, although no specific details have been disclosed.
Notably, the Minister's initiative draws attention to the inclusion of prominent groups such as the Brigade Loire from FC Nantes and the far-right affiliated Offenders from RC Strasbourg, while other groups like the Bad Gones and Mezza Lyon have not been subjected to similar scrutiny, despite a history of violent incidents.
Critics argue that this selective targeting reflects an arbitrary approach that conflates the broader ultra culture with hooliganism, and some suggest that it is an attempt to set a punitive example without sufficient judicial oversight.
This approach to security appears to be aligned with an increasing political climate characterized by heightened security measures and the ongoing competition within the Republican party for presidential nomination.
Historically, the dissolution of supporter groups has proven ineffective in reducing violence associated with fringe elements within the ultras.
Sacha Houlié, a non-affiliated deputy who co-authored a report in 2020 on supporter culture, emphasized that 'stigmatizing football supporters for political gain has long been a tradition of Interior Ministers.' The upcoming commission meeting on April 1 is expected to further scrutinize the allegations against the identified groups.
A demonstration organized in Saint-Etienne on March 29 saw thousands of protestors rally against the proposed disbandment of the local supporter groups, Magic Fans and Green Angels, ahead of a Ligue 1 match between AS Saint-Etienne and Paris Saint-Germain.
The slogan 'A cauldron does not dissolve,' referring to the nickname of the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, resonated strongly among the demonstrators.
Both groups, founded in 1991 and 1992 respectively, are part of a wider crackdown on various supporter groups across France, where a total of five are currently targeted for dissolution.
The Ministry of the Interior has cited allegations of violence against these groups, although no specific details have been disclosed.
Notably, the Minister's initiative draws attention to the inclusion of prominent groups such as the Brigade Loire from FC Nantes and the far-right affiliated Offenders from RC Strasbourg, while other groups like the Bad Gones and Mezza Lyon have not been subjected to similar scrutiny, despite a history of violent incidents.
Critics argue that this selective targeting reflects an arbitrary approach that conflates the broader ultra culture with hooliganism, and some suggest that it is an attempt to set a punitive example without sufficient judicial oversight.
This approach to security appears to be aligned with an increasing political climate characterized by heightened security measures and the ongoing competition within the Republican party for presidential nomination.
Historically, the dissolution of supporter groups has proven ineffective in reducing violence associated with fringe elements within the ultras.
Sacha Houlié, a non-affiliated deputy who co-authored a report in 2020 on supporter culture, emphasized that 'stigmatizing football supporters for political gain has long been a tradition of Interior Ministers.' The upcoming commission meeting on April 1 is expected to further scrutinize the allegations against the identified groups.
