A FC Nantes fan has died after being stabbed by a vehicle-for-hire driver carrying OGC Nice supporters to La Beaujoire. The incident occurred before Saturday night’s Ligue 1 game between Jocelyn Gourvennec’s Les Canaris and Francesco Farioli’s Les Aiglons. Nantes eventually inflicted Nice their first defeat of the season (1-0).
Despite the rapid intervention of first responders on the scene, in the vicinity of Nantes’ Stade de la Beaujoire, the 31-year-old FC Nantes supporter has tragically succumbed to his injuries. The victim was a member of the famed Brigade Loire, Nantes’ most ardent fan group.
Stabbed in the back
Nantes’ Public Prosecutor confirmed the news last night. “Shortly before 8 p.m., several vehicles carrying Nice supporters were attacked by FC Nantes supporters (…) During these events, in circumstances which remain to be determined, a 31-year-old man, a FC Nantes supporter, collapsed.” The prosecutor added that the victim was stabbed in the back. According to Ouest-France, the suspect has surrendered to authorities.
FC Nantes has released the following statement. “FC Nantes is saddened to learn that a Nantes supporter was fatally injured before Saturday’s game, near La Beaujoire. In circumstances that are the subject of an ongoing legal investigation, the 31-year-old collapsed, hit in the back. Despite the intervention of emergency services, the supporter could not be saved. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has announced that an investigation for intentional homicide has been opened. Numerous witness interviews are underway and will continue. The Club can only deplore that a person lost his life in such circumstances. FC Nantes would like to express its most sincere condolences to the victim’s family and those close to them.“
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
