The Loire Brigade supported even at the Vélodrome!

In an electric atmosphere at the Vélodrome, supporters of Olympique de Marseille showed their support for the Loire Brigade of FC Nantes, group of Nantes supporters in the crosshairs of the authorities after the invasion of the pitch during the match against Le Havre. This demonstration of solidarity between ultras punctuated OM's best home match this season, a victory snatched in the last moments against AS Monaco (2-1).

Resounding banners on bends

Alongside the traditional tifos grandioses deployed before kick-off, groups of Marseille supporters brandished striking banners. The North turn displayed “In this country where our freedoms are contested, support for the BL and the MU. Passion does not dissolve, support for the BL”echoing recent debates on the repression of ultra movements. The South turn increased in the second half with “Total support for the Loire Brigade, supporters not criminals”denouncing the criminalization of passionate supporters.

Historic solidarity between ultra groups

This demonstration of brotherhood between supporters is not new in the French football landscape. The ultras groups maintain close ties despite the sporting rivalry, sharing the same philosophy of unconditional fervor for their club. By supporting the Loire Brigade, Marseille fans affirm their rejection of repressive measures and their attachment to supporter traditions which have enlivened stadiums for decades. A strong message sent to the authorities in a tense context.

A burning context around the ultras

These banners operate in a particularly climate electric around ultra movements In France. The invasion of the land in Nantes has relaunched the debate on the supervision of these groups, regularly singled out for their excesses. But for many supporters, these security measures threaten the very soul of supporterismbased on passion and the noisy expression of this fervor in the stadiums. A delicate balance to find for the authorities.