Saturday evening’s Coupe de France could see the Stade de France become the latest scene of dissent over a recent law raising France’s minimum retirement age to 64.
After reports that the CGT trade union could carry out targeted power cuts during the match between Nantes and Toulouse, Le Parisien indicate that a protest from the stands is also being planned out.
In particular, local trade unions intend to distribute 30,000 red cards and 10,000 whistles to fans arriving at the stadium, with the idea being to brandish the cards once president Emmanuel Macron makes his appearance on the pitch to shake the players’ hands before kick-off.
The whistles, according to the unions, are to be used in the 49th minute – a reference to the government’s use of article 49.3 of the French constitution, through which, when triggered, opposition can only prevent a bill from going through via a vote of no confidence.
Macron is expected to attend the final – as is the long-standing tradition for French presidents – and will present the trophy to the eventual winning captain at the end of the match.
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin
