a League cancels all its matches to support educators

Time to say stop. This Tuesday, November 5, the Occitanie Football League actually published a press release to let its licensees know that no matches would be played this weekend “to say STOP to inappropriate behavior and attacks against educators. Each week, these educators stand on the sidelines, to guide, encourage, and teach young players, despite the difficulties and sometimes the hostility they encounter. Today, these behaviors reach an unacceptable level This week. -end, we say together that without educators, there is no football” begins the missive.

A decision taken in order to “pause to allow everyone to settle down, reflect and understand that every word or gesture counts. Without respect for those who supervise and host the matches, football cannot exist. Together, let's make this weekend a moment of awareness for respectful football, for the well-being of our educators.” In recent months, attacks against educators have exploded, as evidenced by the cars set on fire by two members of US Colomiers over a dispute with a parent.

Only one match will take place this weekend

As a result, all matches falling under the jurisdiction of the Occitane Football League will be canceled on November 9 and 10. Except for just one: the one between Blagnac and Alès in the Gambardella Cup. Enough to allow the different players to “reflect on the impact of their own behavior. Our educators are essential to the smooth running of each match and each training session. When they are subjected to pressure or violence, it is all of football that is in danger!” concludes Arnaud Dalla Pria, president of the body.