Two FC Lorient supporters, members of the “Merlus utras”, were sentenced Friday by the Lorient court to prison for violence and damage on the sidelines of their team's matches.
The “capo”, leader of the group, aged 33, received two years in prison, including one year under bracelet. The second was sentenced to eight months in prison, four of which were suspended.
They were prosecuted for violence and damage in meetings, which occurred on the sidelines of a Ligue 2 match between FC Lorient and AC Ajaccio, Friday September 27.
During the night, a group dressed in black gathered near the stadium, before “two series of scuffles in downtown Lorient”, according to the Lorient prosecutor, Stéphane Kellenberger. 70 “Merlus Ultras”, hooded and gloved, had attacked Corsican supporters in a bar in the city center.
The Merlus “capo” was also condemned for damage committed during the Lorient-Grenoble match on August 24.
Before the match, “individuals dressed in dark and acting with hidden faces” attacked two television control trucks parked near the Moustoir stadium, with “paint spraying and other damage“, according to the Lorient prosecutor.
Audiovisual equipment had been damaged, to the detriment of a service provider from the beIN Sports channel which was broadcasting the meeting.
The “capo” spoke at the audience of his anger against BeIN sports after the broadcaster decided to move Ligue 2 matches to Friday evening, which irritated several groups of supporters.
Concerning the attack on Corsican supporters, which the two men say they had “suffered violence and intimidation“, they argued a “rancor“, which they agree is inexcusable.
Prosecutor Eric Pouder pointed out a “organized shippingand “from”militiamen who follow a leader“. People who “go to war”a “army” for the lawyers of the civil parties – the broadcaster, FC Lorient and the Professional Football League (LFP).
The “capo’s” lawyer insisted on the route “copy“of his client, a father”perfectly inserted“.
The two men are banned from accessing the HQ of the supporters group and all sports venues hosting an FC Lorient match, for 5 years for the capo and 3 years for the other man.
The leader of the Merlus ultras will have to pay nearly 30,000 euros to the broadcaster BeIN Sports.
