Corentin Le Fur, what is your first reaction after the comments of the director of BeIN Sports?
These are surreal statements from Mr. Houzot (“Some people don’t have much to do in their constituency” declared the boss of beIN Sports). He despised the supporters, he now despises the elected representatives. I don’t want to make the situation worse, but his statements are not going in the right direction. It’s not understandable. It’s really a total lack of understanding of what supporters are and the rights of supporters. I was the first to call for a discussion between all parties to improve this situation, just before the resumption of Ligue 2. We could see with this meeting that BeIN Sports managers were ready to compromise, but with Mr. Houzot’s statement this morning we now understand that he is completely digging his heels in. This logic of stubbornness and headlong rush is totally regrettable.
How can we move forward with this Ligue 2 programming issue?
We cannot be satisfied with the status quo. We must find a compromise with the broadcaster. The fans are not against the broadcaster but the latter must hear the difficulties of the fans for the matches during the week. Having matches at the weekend allows for great atmospheres in the Ligue 2 stadiums, excitement around the teams and a championship that people want to watch. It is a win-win. The director of BeIN Sports makes sweeping statements that are contemptuous and very disdainful towards me. It is also a significant contempt for the inhabitants of my constituency and for all the other parliamentarians who are involved in this issue.
So you are going to continue with this Ligue 2 issue?
Ligue 2 represents a very strong anchoring in our territories. Mr. Houzot’s attitude reflects a total disconnection and a lack of understanding of what supporters are and their aspirations. Supporters cannot go to the stadium if it is Friday evening or Monday evening, there are difficulties. It is a reality. After the first meeting, the broadcaster and the League were to come back with proposals. Reading the comments of the director of beIN Sports, we understand that there is no desire for change, it is incomprehensible and it penalizes everyone, even the broadcaster.
Are you asking for a new intervention from the Minister of Sports?
I hope that the Ministry of Sports will play its part in convincing beIN Sports to find solutions to this situation. I have the impression that Mr. Houzot is making this a personal matter. I hope that the new minister will make it a priority issue. Because it is urgent, Ligue 2 has started and we need to find a way forward on this situation. The broadcaster’s exit today is not a way to work intelligently and constructively. I obviously condemn the violence, but the supporters must make themselves heard in the stadiums. It is their means of expression with tifos and chants. For the moment, the supporters are the losers in this story.
- RMC Sport
