March 13 – The French Ministry of the Interior has banned AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) supporters from traveling to Montpellier Hérault SC for this weekend’s Ligue 1 meeting between the two relegation-threatened clubs because of a high risk of violence.
Montpellier sit rock bottom in the French top-flight standings with just 15 points from 25 matches, while ASSE are just one spot and five points higher in 17th.
Authorities argue Saint-Etienne’s travels are often marred by “public order disturbances due to the violent behaviour of certain supporters or individuals claiming to be supporters of this team,” and noted that some Montpellier fans are also prone to violence.
The Interior Ministry claims there is a “real and serious risk of confrontation” between rival fans, citing a clash between supporters during a November 2024 meeting in Saint-Étienne.
A large-scale brawl took place during which 260 Montpellier fans, some of them equipped with weapons, clashed in the streets with 300 to 400 home supporters.
Contact the writer of this story, Andrew Warshaw, at moc.l1741870318labto1741870318ofdlr1741870318owedi1741870318sni@w1741870318ahsra1741870318w.wer1741870318dna1741870318