Current:Home > InvestFrench government says 9 people detained after violent attack on Lyon soccer team buses-InfoLens
French government says 9 people detained after violent attack on Lyon soccer team buses
View Date:2024-12-23 16:15:57
PARIS (AP) — French police have detained nine people and are searching for other suspects after a violent attack on buses carrying the Lyon soccer team and fans left coach Fabio Grosso with a head injury and forced the postponement of its game at Marseille, the interior minister said Monday.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on BFM television that five police officers were also injured in the attack Sunday night, which drew nationwide attention amid concerns about soccer violence.
“Shame and Disgust,” was the headline on l’Equipe newspaper’s front page, with a picture of Grosso’s bloodied face.
However, it’s unlikely the attack will lead to disciplinary sanctions against the nine-time French champions.
Since it took place outside the Velodrome stadium, responsibility lies with public authorities and not with the club. The case has been taken over by a French league committee in charge of scheduling competitions, and not by the discipline commission.
The team bus was hit on the way to the Stade Velodrome, shattering some windows. Grosso was injured by falling shards of glass and needed medical treatment with his face bleeding heavily. Lyon assistant coach Raffaele Longo was also injured. Buses carrying Lyon fans were also attacked.
Grosso suffered a deep cut above his left eye that required stitches and had a large bandage wrapped around his head.
The attack was been widely commented in media outside France and comes at a very bad time for the French league amid negotiations for the sale of its TV rights abroad. Earlier this month, the auction for the domestic broadcast rights for the 2024-2029 period was cancelled after the league failed to attract bids meeting the minimum price set.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Instagram that “there is absolutely no place for violence in soccer, on or off the pitch” and called on “the competent authorities to ensure that the appropriate measures are taken.”
“Without exception, in soccer, all players, coaches and fans must be safe to enjoy our sport,” Infantino said. He added a picture of Grosso with a bandage on his face, with the message ”Forza Fabio.”
Sports Minister Amelia Oudea-Castera called for a ‘’global response’’ and said the French league, the teams and fan groups should all take responsibility. Speaking Monday on France-2 television, she called for tougher restrictions on troublemakers.
She and Darmanin defended police protection for the Lyon team even though the measures weren’t enough to prevent the attack.
Marseille president Pablo Longoria said the attack was unacceptable and the club wished Grosso a speedy recovery.
“Because of a handful of thoughtless people, tonight’s party was spoiled and 65,000 fans were deprived of attending a soccer match,” the club said.
The atmosphere has long been tense between the teams, notably since fans from Marseille and Lyon fought in a violent brawl 10 years ago that left 17 injured.
Both clubs have been under pressure lately. Marseille is still showing poor form with one win and three losses in its last four league games, and Lyon is the only team still winless in the league.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
veryGood! (39148)
Related
- DWTS' Sasha Farber Claps Back at Diss From Jenn Tran's Ex Devin Strader
- Fall in Love With Coach Outlet’s Valentine’s Day Drop Featuring Deals Up to 75% Off Bags & More
- The thin-skinned men triggered by Taylor Swift's presence at NFL games need to get a grip
- Jordan Love’s strong 1st season as Packers QB ends with disappointing playoff loss
- King Charles III celebrates 76th birthday amid cancer battle, opens food hubs
- The Non-Aligned Movement calls Israel’s war in Gaza illegal and condemns attacks on Palestinians
- Ancient sword with possible Viking origins and a mysterious inscription found in Polish river
- David Oyelowo talks MLK, Role Play, and how to impress an old crush
- Army veteran reunites with his K9 companion, who served with him in Afghanistan
- 49ers TE George Kittle makes 'wrestling seem cool,' WWE star Bayley says
Ranking
- Fire crews gain greater control over destructive Southern California wildfire
- Prince Harry drops libel lawsuit against Daily Mail publisher
- The Non-Aligned Movement calls Israel’s war in Gaza illegal and condemns attacks on Palestinians
- Judge ends suspension of Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr., charged with rape
- West Virginia governor-elect Morrisey to be sworn in mid-January
- A century after Lenin’s death, the USSR’s founder seems to be an afterthought in modern Russia
- These home sales in the US hit a nearly three-decade low: How did we get here?
- Econ Battle Zone: Disinflation Confrontation
Recommendation
-
Research reveals China has built prototype nuclear reactor to power aircraft carrier
-
Emily in Paris star Ashley Park reveals she went into critical septic shock while on vacation
-
Jimmie Johnson, crew chief Chad Knaus join Donnie Allison in NASCAR Hall of Fame
-
California governor sacks effort to limit tackle football for kids
-
American Idol’s Triston Harper, 16, Expecting a Baby With Wife Paris Reed
-
Grand jury indictment against Alec Baldwin opens two paths for prosecutors
-
How Patrick Mahomes Scored the Perfect Teammate in Wife Brittany Mahomes
-
Murder charge is dropped against a 15-year-old for a high school football game shooting