SAINT-ETIENNE, France — The famed French soccer club, Saint-Etienne, known for its ten championships, has announced its opposition to a proposed measure by the French government to dissolve its two main supporter groups. The fan collectives, the Magic Fans and the Green Angels, founded in the early 1990s, argue that the government’s initiative is politically motivated and ineffective in curbing stadium hooliganism.
Saint-Etienne supports its fans, describing the proposed actions as exaggerated and fruitless when it comes to addressing stadium violence and discrimination. The club firmly asserts its ongoing commitment to eliminating all forms of violence and bias. “AS Saint-Étienne remains firmly committed to combating all forms of violence and discrimination,” the club stated. “The club has always acted to identify and punish the perpetrators of reprehensible acts, and will continue to do so.”
Historically a dominant force in French soccer, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, Saint-Etienne faces challenges both on and off the field. The club’s supporters were prohibited from traveling by French authorities to Montpellier for a crucial Ligue 1 match on Sunday due to perceived risks of violence. French authorities justified this decision by referencing past disturbances related to Saint-Etienne’s travels that are reportedly disrupted by the aggressive conduct of certain fans, with the implication that some Montpellier supporters could also incite violence.
In a notice issued Wednesday, France’s interior ministry expressed concerns over a potential clash between rival fans, citing a previous incident from November last year. A major altercation occurred before a match between Saint-Etienne and Montpellier, which involved a violent street confrontation between 260 Montpellier fans, some armed, and 300 to 400 Saint-Etienne fans.
