‘Allez les singes’: U18 Women’s Cup Match Interrupted by Racist Abuse

REIMS, France – A Coupe Nike U18 Féminine quarterfinal match between Stade de Reims and Olympique de Marseille was temporarily halted Sunday after allegations of racist abuse directed at Marseille players. The incident, which occurred at the Centre de vie Raymond-Kopa in Reims, prompted the activation of the French Football Federation’s (FFF) anti-racism protocol.

The match, the women’s equivalent of the Coupe Gambardella, was paused in the closing minutes as tensions escalated. According to reports, two Olympique de Marseille players were targeted with racist insults and monkey chants from a section of the crowd. The game was initially stopped in the 88th minute, with Reims leading 2-0.

Incident Details and Response

A witness at the scene, as cited by So Foot, reported hearing the phrases “sales singes” (“dirty monkeys”) and “allez les singes” (“go monkeys”) directed towards the Marseille players. Some of the Olympique de Marseille players reportedly attempted to confront the individuals responsible before being escorted away by team staff. The disruption lasted approximately ten minutes.

Following a brief attempt at de-escalation by the Reims coach, play resumed, but reports indicate the abuse continued even after the final whistle. While one witness confirmed the continuation of insults, another present at the scene claimed the match concluded in silence, creating conflicting accounts of the immediate aftermath.

Olympique de Marseille swiftly condemned the incident, releasing a statement Monday afternoon. The club expressed its “firmest condemnation of these unacceptable acts, which have no place on a football field, in sport in general, or in society at large.” The statement further affirmed the club’s full support for the players who were targeted and reiterated its commitment to protecting their dignity. “The Olympique de Marseille stands fully with them and reaffirms its constant commitment to protecting its Marseillaises and defending their dignity,” the club said.

Broader Context and League Response

This incident underscores the ongoing battle against racism in football, even at the youth level. While the Coupe Nike U18 Féminine aims to showcase the talent and passion of young female footballers, it is not immune to the societal issues that plague the sport. The activation of the FFF’s anti-racism protocol demonstrates a commitment to addressing such incidents, but the recurrence of these events highlights the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures.

As of Monday evening, neither Stade de Reims nor the FFF had issued official statements regarding the incident. The lack of immediate comment from these parties has drawn some criticism, with many calling for a swift and thorough investigation. The FFF protocol, when activated, typically involves a suspension of play, communication with authorities, and a potential investigation into the incident.

The incident comes amid heightened awareness of racism in French football. Just last month, a Ligue 1 match was marred by similar allegations of racist abuse, prompting calls for stricter penalties and preventative measures. This latest incident serves as a stark reminder that the fight against discrimination in sport is far from over.

What’s Next

The Coupe Nike U18 Féminine quarterfinals concluded on Sunday, with the semi-final pairings to be announced shortly. Even though, the focus remains on the investigation into the racist abuse directed at the Olympique de Marseille players. It is expected that the FFF will launch a formal inquiry, and any individuals found responsible for the abuse could face sanctions, including bans from attending future matches. The Olympique de Marseille has stated its intention to fully cooperate with any investigation.

The incident raises significant questions about security measures at youth football matches and the effectiveness of anti-racism protocols. It also highlights the need for continued education and awareness campaigns to combat prejudice and promote inclusivity in the sport.

Archysport will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.