???????? FC Valencia. Assault rifle shots and vehicle burned near Jean-Perdrix stadium

Sunday December 22, the Jean-Perdrix stadium in Valence (Drôme) was the scene of a worrying scene. Shortly after the end of the match between FC Valence and SEL St Priest-en-Jarez, an individual with a masked face fired several shots near the locker rooms and in the parking lot.

An armed attack near the locker rooms

According to the testimonies collected, 22 people claim to have heard the detonations that occurred around 5:30 p.m., approximately 20 minutes after the end of the meeting. On site, investigators found seven shell casings in the parking lot and two others near the locker rooms.

The individual, armed with an assault rifle, reportedly fled immediately after the shooting. A stolen vehicle, probably used by the shooter, was found burned 1.7 kilometers from the stadium.

A specific target: a club educator?

According to our information, the masked man tried to attack an educator from FC Valence. These shootings, which could be acts of intimidation, raise questions. Last November, the club's premises were already affected by an arson. At the time, a 17-year-old young man was arrested in this case.

An atmosphere of fear within the club

This new attack has plunged FC Valencia into concern. Some players have been instructed not to return to the stadium. “The club is in danger,” confides anonymously a member of FC Valence.

Questions arise as to the origin of this violence. Are they linked to rivalries between gangs in the Hauts de Valence districts?

An open investigation

The authorities have opened an investigation to try to understand the motivations behind this act and to identify the shooter. In the meantime, incidents are increasing around FC Valence, threatening the peace and security of players and managers.

Source: France Bleu

(Thank you Yann Bourguignon)