It was supposed to be a festive meeting around a football encounter that could lead Bastia to Ligue 2, as was the case, and instead, it started in violence and foolishness, turning a day that ended well on the field into a disaster. Fights, numerous injuries, the ransacking of a restaurant, and clashes with the police made the Port of Nice a hot spot yesterday afternoon with the arrival of a boat carrying Bastia supporters, obviously awaited by their… Nice counterparts!
Arriving by boat in the early afternoon, the Sporting supporters were supposed to take a bus to Fréjus for the national championship match between their hosts and their protégés. Things quickly escalated with the throwing of flares and agricultural bombs and violent clashes with the police, resulting in injuries on both sides and the ransacking of a restaurant located near the embarkation point. A true state of siege made the Port of Nice an inaccessible place for a while, causing significant traffic congestion in this major thoroughfare of the city.
The circumstances of these incidents will need to be determined between some Bastia supporters, perhaps not simply there to support their team, and pseudo-Nice supporters present for an unexpectedly hostile reception of the Corsicans. Indeed, what were these individuals doing as a group at the arrival of the Bastia supporters? Were they the instigators of the incidents? Did they take refuge in the establishment subsequently ransacked during the clashes?
So many questions that will certainly find answers during the forthcoming investigation.
But fundamentally, does it matter whether the culprits are from Nice or Corsica in yet another demonstration of violence with a sports event as a backdrop—oh no, sorry, a football match! How can a passion for a club turn into an age-old hatred between supporters of two clubs (matches between Bastia and Nice too often leading to incidents mainly around the field), and how can one plan a “brawl” without it being known—are the pathways of social networks and forums so impenetrable?
Nonetheless, once again, the image of football, Corsica, and Nice (what a mix!) has been tarnished by a handful of grotesque individuals who are currently appearing regularly on television commercials campaigning against violence in and around the stadium. It seems the message has still not gotten through to everyone!
Reactions
Eric Ciotti condemns these unspeakable actions
“This Friday afternoon, Bastia supporters traveling to the Var ransacked a restaurant at the Port of Nice. Informed of the situation, I immediately went to the scene where I met with the restaurateurs who were extremely shocked after facing violent, aggressive, and armed supporters. The police, called in for reinforcement, were able to control them before more serious incidents occurred.
These scenes of violence are intolerable; sport must not lead to such excesses, as it conveys the most noble values. I wish to denounce with the greatest firmness such acts perpetrated by a minority that, unfortunately, regularly tarnishes the image of football.
I extend my solidarity to the restaurateurs affected by this particularly cowardly act. I also wish a speedy recovery to the national police officer who was unfortunately injured.”
Christian Estrosi, Deputy, Mayor of Nice, President of Nice Côte d’Azur, firmly condemns these acts
“Such attitudes are intolerable! These actions, which saw pseudo-supporters clash and confront the police, are unacceptable in our city. I am outraged that such incidents have occurred and regret that the behavior of a minority too often tarnishes the world of sports.
I have made sure to provide all my support to the merchants affected by these acts of violence and have asked the FRAP to intervene quickly to help them repair the damage.
I also want to commend and thank the police for their work and courage: they intervened immediately and kept their composure, thereby containing this violence and controlling the situation.”
