A recent National 3 soccer match took a disturbing turn as players from the Senior Sports Union team Le Pays de Valois (USLPDV) reported enduring a barrage of racist and discriminatory insults from opposing supporters. The incident allegedly occurred during their away game against Gazélec Football Club Ajaccio on Saturday, September 20, in Corsica.
The USLPDV squad, facing the league-leading gazélec FC Ajaccio, stated that the offensive language began during warm-ups and continued throughout the match. The club detailed in a statement released on Monday, September 21, that their players were subjected to slurs such as “Coulibaly terrorist,” “dirty black,” “Taliban band,” and “slave.”
More Than Just Words
The alleged abuse extended beyond verbal taunts. The USLPDV reported instances of spitting and water being thrown from the stands towards their players and staff. Moreover, the club claims that some Gazélec Ajaccio officials made discriminatory remarks directly to their delegation, including the question, What’s not to be in your country?
The match itself was already a heated affair, marked by a 65th-minute interruption by the referee following two red cards issued to each team. Reports indicate that the USLPDV players refused to continue the game due to the escalating tensions and the perceived lack of safety. They were subsequently escorted by police to catch their flight home.
the USLPDV has officially lodged a complaint with the relevant authorities, seeking significant and exemplary sanctions against those responsible.
Gazélec FC d’Ajaccio, when contacted, stated they are reserving their legal options.Xavier-Joseph Tavera, the club’s secretary general, expressed strong disagreement with the USLPDV’s press release.
“We are waiting for the referee’s additional report and that the FFF contacts us. We are not going to light a fire with petrol.”
Xavier-Joseph Tavera, Secretary General, Gazélec FC d’Ajaccio
Tavera characterized the accusations as a “masquerade,” suggesting the USLPDV may have been unable to accept defeat. While acknowledging that some supporters may have directed insults, he vehemently denied that the remarks were racist.
Yes, there have been insults from supporters, but not racist,
Tavera stated. 70% of our players come from immigration. Among our young people, it’s the same.What will they think if we are accused of racism? What will the families of our young people think? We do not accept to hear this.
