The cancellation of the Olympique showdown between Olympique Marseille and Olympique Lyon following an attack on Lyon's team bus has naturally been stirring up emotions in France. FIFA has also responded to the stone-throwing by Marseille 'fans', which resulted in injuries to Lyon coach Fabio Grosso. In essence, everyone is angry.
We start in France, with Marseille's president Pablo Longoria, who is furious. Speaking to Prime Video Sport, which brings Ligue 1 into French living rooms on behalf of Amazon, Longoria expressed strong words. 'This is unacceptable. We must prevent what happened to Grosso; it is completely unacceptable. This does not belong in football; these are reckless idiots ruining a celebration for 65,000 people. I am angry,' Longoria added.
The celebration could have still continued, according to Lyon owner John Textor, who spoke on the same channel. 'We did not ask for the cancellation. Our team discussed it and wanted to play; they were ready for it. The decision was made without us; we wanted to play. We are angry,' said the American. However, it should be noted that the players were not aware of the severity of the situation at that time. Once the squad learned what had actually happened, they ultimately decided not to take the field.
This issue goes beyond football. The French Minister of the Interior, Gérard Darmanin, also spoke out – and he is angry as well, he told RMC Sport. 'This is unacceptable. L'Équipe's headline was 'bastards,' and there is no better word for it. We have five injured officers and nine arrests made, and with the video footage, there will undoubtedly be more. The clubs need to keep their supporters in check, and I hope these perpetrators end up in prison for as long as possible.'
Darmanin's colleague, Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, praised the decision not to play football. "This is terrible, abhorrent. These acts of hate, stupidity, they go against the values of football and sport. Unbelievable. We must quickly apprehend the perpetrators and punish them severely. Not playing was the right decision," said Oudéa-Castéra, also speaking to RMC Sport.
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has also expressed his condemnation. "Such incidents have no place in our sport and in our society. I call upon the relevant authorities to take appropriate measures. Everyone, without exception, must feel safe to enjoy our sport," said the Swiss on Instagram.
The LFP, the organization that manages Ligue 1, now has a significant task at hand: rescheduling the match. However, Marseille is involved in European football competitions. At this moment, the first midweek of December appears to be the most viable option for rescheduling the encounter.
