CAEN, France – A growing unease is spreading among supporters of Stade Malherbe Caen as a newly visible far-right faction disrupts the atmosphere at the Stade Michel d’Ornano. The concerns surfaced prominently during a recent National League match against Orléans on March 21, 2026, raising questions about security and the club’s response to extremist elements within its fanbase.
The incident began, according to one long-time SM Caen supporter named Maxime, with the arrival of a group of roughly 20-30 individuals. “We saw a black column arriving. They were nervous and sweaty, they just looked bad,” he recounted, describing the group as they approached the seating area above the Malherbe Normandy Kop, the club’s most vocal supporters’ group. Maxime, who was with his 10-year-vintage son, felt compelled to move to avoid a confrontation.
Whereas no immediate violence occurred, the presence of the group was unsettling. “My son and a friend were at the railing. I shouted for them to approach back. These people stood in front of us, completely indifferent. We had to leave our seats,” Maxime explained, expressing his dismay at having to explain the concept of “hooligans” and the dangers they pose to his child.
This group, identifying as “identitarian” and nationalist, has been a source of friction within the Caen supporter base for several years. What was modern on March 21st was their deliberate segregation from the main supporter groups and vocal antagonism towards the Malherbe Normandy Kop. The group’s numbers were bolstered by the presence of individuals identified as “hooligans” from Mans and Brest, further escalating tensions.
Later that evening, members of the same group were reportedly involved in an incident at the BTKC, a local bar frequented by anti-fascist activists, coinciding with a “anti-fascist carnival” held in Caen earlier that day. Social media accounts associated with anti-fascist groups, such as Caen Antifa, documented the presence of individuals linked to the Kaem Crew, a known hooligan group within the Caen support structure. Images circulated online showing logos of these groups displayed together, signaling a concerning alliance.
Visible Signifiers and Overt Displays
Witnesses at the incident near the bar described seeing individuals displaying “saluts Kühnen,” a gesture considered an alternative to the Nazi salute, and chanting slogans such as “Justice for Quentin Deranque,” referencing a nationalist activist killed in Lyon, and “Bleu, blanc, rouge, la France aux Français” (“Blue, white, red, France for the French”) and “Caen is nationalist.” A minor altercation reportedly broke out, though authorities have not yet established a clear political motive.
One long-time attendee of the tribune Borelli, where the Kop is located, described the group as “neo-Nazi,” noting their distinctive appearance: black clothing favored by far-right movements, shaved heads, and visible tattoos, often accompanied by hoods and gloves. “Football is just a pretext for them to meet up. They spend more time insulting opponents and their supporters than actually supporting the team,” the supporter said, requesting anonymity due to fear of reprisal.
Concerns extend beyond verbal abuse. Reports suggest instances of racist and homophobic insults directed at opposing players, particularly those of color. Organized clashes with supporters of other teams have also been alleged, with the group reportedly losing these confrontations. The Kaem Crew, while not an officially recognized entity, is one of several similar groups operating within the Caen supporter base, and its influence appears to be growing.
The situation is complicated by what some describe as a degree of tolerance within the Malherbe Normandy Kop itself. One supporter noted a perceived proximity between some Kop members and the far-right groups, stating, “You can’t claim to be apolitical when you allow people like that to operate.” A Kop leader was reportedly seen at a recent brawl with supporters from Rouen, and in January 2024, banners from both the MNK and Kaem Crew were displayed side-by-side during a match at Le Havre.
“We Can’t Allow a Hateful Group to Grow in a Family Tribune”
A leading member of the Malherbe Normandy Kop expressed concern, acknowledging the issue but also noting the diverse and often conflicting currents within the group. This complexity, some say, leads to a degree of leniency. The far-right groups are reportedly not welcome at the upcoming 30th-anniversary celebrations of the MNK, a factor potentially contributing to their separate appearance at the recent match against Orléans.
Maxime, the supporter who witnessed the initial incident, has contacted the club to demand answers. “The security wasn’t adequate, there were only a few young stewards. We can’t allow a hateful group, that is frightening, to grow in this family tribune, especially without any oversight,” he said. Stade Malherbe Caen acknowledges the situation as “awkward” and states its intention to prevent a recurrence.
However, the club’s options are limited. Because the group has not been officially banned, and has not committed any crimes, the club cannot legally prevent them from purchasing tickets. As one authority explained, “We can’t prevent people who aren’t banned from the stadium. We need to catch them in the act of committing a crime, which is difficult.”
This predicament mirrors the challenges faced by many clubs across France, where far-right elements are increasingly visible within supporter groups. Recent examples include the display of a banner honoring Quentin Deranque at a Lyon match and a similar incident at a Strasbourg match that led to a brawl.
Supporters are calling on club officials and the Malherbe Normandy Kop to address the issue proactively. In the meantime, the prefecture of Seine-Maritime has implemented increased security measures for Caen’s upcoming away match against Rouen on March 27, 2026, due to existing tensions between the two sets of supporters and the potential for further clashes. The traditionally open and safe active supporter section at Stade Michel d’Ornano appears to be at a turning point, shadowed by a growing far-right presence.
The next test for both the club and its supporters will come on April 5th, when SM Caen hosts Bastia at the Stade Michel d’Ornano. Fans and authorities will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Worth a look
