Football: an investigation opened into violence by supporters targeting players of Stade de Reims

The public prosecutor’s office in Reims announced on Thursday, April 16, that an investigation has been opened after the Stade de Reims (L2) reported the presence of disgruntled supporters, who came “masked and armed” to wait for the players, on the night of Friday, April 10 to Saturday, April 11, following the club’s draw in Laval. “An investigation is ongoing for threats with weapons, racial insults, possession of weapons, and participation in an armed gathering with intent to commit violence”, detailed Reims deputy prosecutor Mathilde Campagnie on Thursday, specifying that “no suspects” have been identified at this stage.

This investigation follows the announcement on Tuesday, April 14, by Stade de Reims of their intention to file a complaint after the intrusion of individuals identifying themselves as Ultrem ultras supporters, some of whom were “masked and armed” at the club’s training center. They had come to “wait for the team” after a draw by Reims in Laval (2-2). A disappointing result for the club, currently in fifth place in Ligue 2 after being in Ligue 1 last season and aiming for promotion at the end of this season.

The presence of law enforcement was deemed “necessary to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control”, the club stated in a press release. Stade de Reims also called for calm, lamenting an “escalation of violent and inappropriate behavior” in the past “several months” and stating that “the line has been crossed” on the night of Friday to Saturday. “We understand the frustrations and disappointments, but they cannot justify intimidation, racist remarks, and death threats”, the club further denounced.