An investigation was opened on Monday by the Montpellier prosecutor’s office the day after homophobic banners brandished by ultras from the city’s football club during an L1 match, messages denounced in particular by the Minister of Sports, Amélie Oudéa- Castera.
This investigation was opened for “public insults on the grounds of sexual orientation”, “introduction, possession and use of rockets or fireworks in a sports arena” and “throw of a projectile presenting a danger to the safety of persons”, said the Montpellier prosecutor’s office in a press release at midday.
Amélie Oudéa-Castera indeed condemned this Monday morning “homophobic acts” and demanded sanctions following banners brandished the day before by Montpellier ultras during the Ligue 1 match between Montpellier and Nantes, concluded by the defeat of the Hérault club (3-0), now 15th in Ligue 1 with two points ahead of the first relegation, Brest.
“Strongest condemnation of these images, these words, these homophobic acts which must disappear from the enclosures of football and sport”, tweeted the minister, reproducing photos taken at the Mosson stadium at the start of this meeting counting for the 19th day of L1. “Their perpetrators must be identified, punished and kept permanently away from stadiums,” she added.
The incriminated banners were deployed by the ultras of the MHSC, who intended to protest against the catastrophic results of their team, beaten 6-1 four days earlier in Nice and close to the relegation zone. Among these insulting messages, two banners where were written “Team of fags” and “All of you go fuck yourself…”.
In addition to this action, the Montpellier ultras deserted their stands for the first fifteen minutes, before returning and throwing smoke bombs on the lawn, causing the meeting to be interrupted. Their banners were also denounced on Twitter by Hervé Martin, PS deputy mayor of Montpellier Michaël Delafosse in charge of Sports, who said he was “scandalized” by these “vulgar and homophobic insults”. “I hope that sanctions will be taken,” he added.
