A new incident of violence has tarnished the image of amateur football. This Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Argentan criminal court (Orne) delivered its verdict: a young 19-year-old player, member of the Briouze team, was convicted of attacking a referee during a tense match in Gacé, in Orne. This episode follows a red card sent for a provocative gesture: a middle finger.
The referee attacked and having an asthma attack
According to Actu.fr, the facts date back to May 27, 2023. During this tense meeting between the Gacé and Briouze teams, a young referee was attacked by two players after having sanctioned one of them. The first player tackled him to the ground and squeezed his neck, while the second hit him in the back as he tried to take refuge in the locker room. The assault left the referee in shock, triggering an asthma attack. He subsequently filed a complaint, providing the police with precise information on the attackers, including jersey numbers and identities.
Medically examined, the referee was given a three-day total incapacity for work (ITT). He also received psychological support for a month to overcome the trauma and is seeking 500 euros in damages.
An accused who rejects the version of the facts
Only one of the attackers was on trial this Tuesday: the young man accused of hitting the referee. He denies the facts as presented, claiming that he “only pushed” him in a moment of anger. The other player involved has already been tried by a juvenile court.
The referee's mother, who witnessed the scene, expressed her shock at her son's aggression, stressing that she did not notice any racist remarks during the match. Since this incident, she has avoided going to matches for fear of reliving such an event.
A call for an end to sporting violence
The public prosecutor stressed the need for a dissuasive sanction. “The violence on the grounds must stop,” insisted the public prosecutor, requesting a citizenship course for the accused, under penalty of a fine of 600 euros in the event of non-compliance.
Racism in the stands?
The defendant's lawyer spoke of racist insults coming from the stands, indicating humiliating gestures such as monkey imitations. “Unfortunately, we are facing a trivialization of racist remarks in football,” she said, adding that her nervous client never intended to resort to violence.
The court ultimately followed the prosecutor's requisitions. The young player will also have to pay 400 euros to the referee for damage suffered.
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