French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera described the scenes which caused the postponement of the Ligue 1 clash between Marseille and Lyon last night as “distressing, revolting and disgusting”.
The game was called off shortly before kick-off after the Lyon team bus was pelted with missiles by home supporters as it made its way to the Stade Velodrome with coach Fabio Grosso requiring stitches after being hit near the eye by shards of glass. His assistant Raffaele Longo was also injured.
The LFP Competitions Commission are investigating and will decide on any possible sanction, although their jurisdiction may be limited as the incident took place more than 500 metres from the stadium.
Oudea-Castera was unequivocal in her condemnation of those responsible.
“We have seen just about everything you would not want to see,” she told France 2.
“It was distressing, revolting and disgusting. Video surveillance will enable us to find those responsible.
“The total use of the legal and legislative arsenal will be used for these idiots who ruin the evening for 65,000 people.”
???? OL manager Fabio Grosso injured after team coach was attacked with stones whilst travelling to Marseille.
Emergency medical treatment for Fabio Grosso tonight. pic.twitter.com/0bFuHizhyp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 29, 2023
LFP general director Arnaud Rouger told RMC Sport: “Obviously, and this goes without saying, the League firmly condemns the incidents but condemning is the minimum and that is not enough.
“There must be strong sanctions.”
Marseille president Pablo Longoria was “angry” by what had happened.
He told Amazon Prime Video: “What happened to Lyon coach Fabio Grosso must be prevented. It’s completely unacceptable.
“I’m angry. I’m really upset by the current situation. It shouldn’t happen in football or in society.”
