On social networks, among the supporters of the two clubs, harsh comments arose concerning the last minute cancellation of the match of 32e of the Coupe de France, between Tours FC and Lorient. The party is spoiled and the future is very bleak for football lovers in Tours.
“Shame”, “a fiasco”, react the supporters
“The club has fallen very low”, “shame”, « a fiasco » : enthusiasts have no words, this Saturday, December 21, 2024, to describe the lack of professionalism of Tours FC officials, incapable of putting in place the security conditions necessary for the organization of such a meeting.
Nearly 10,000 spectators should have taken their seats on the stands of the Vallée du Cher stadium. For this gauge initially planned, it was necessary to mobilize, according to our information, 78 security agents. Unfortunately, this Saturday at noon, only around thirty were available. Insufficient, even by reducing the gauge to the 6,700 places already sold.
“Inability to guarantee security”
“Avoine, Monnaie are getting there and Tours is not”comments a supporter referring to the Coupe de France rounds recently played by other Touraine teams. “Inability to guarantee security, we are there, Tours deserves better”tackles Olivier Lebreton, opposition municipal councilor of Tours, on his X account (ex-twitter).
Some supporters who arrived on site had to turn back.
© Photo NR, Julien Pruvost
Mayor Emmanuel Denis, contacted by La Nouvelle République, nevertheless assures that he has “did everything to save the match”. “I am from Tours, I played myself as a kid in this clubhe specifies. I was delighted to relive a great football moment in the Vallée du Cher. »
We tried to support the club, despite very complicated contacts.
Emmanuel Denis mayor of Tours
The mayor, who was to kick off the meeting, expresses feelings “bitterness and sadness”. “Contrary to what some say, we tried to support the clubhe continues. And this despite very complicated interlocutors. We have accepted a moratorium on the deadlines owed by the club to the City. We even guaranteed payment for the security company that was initially supposed to be used for the match. »
“It was taking too big a risk”
According to the municipality, this Saturday, December 21 at 1 p.m., “minimum security” was no longer assured, despite the planned deployment of the national police and municipal police outside the stadium. “It was taking too big a risk”according to Emmanuel Denis.
There remains concern for Touraine football supporters. The prospect of the club's liquidation, postponed last summer, seems inevitable this time.
