Grenoble, France – Following a scoreless draw between Grenoble Foot 38 and AS Saint-Étienne in Ligue 2 on Saturday, March 14, 2026, allegations have surfaced regarding inappropriate searches of ASSE supporters, particularly women, at the Stade des Alpes. The club is now encouraging any supporters who experienced abusive treatment during security checks to approach forward.
According to multiple reports from supporters present at the match, a significant number of ASSE fans – 1,004 were reported in attendance – experienced what they describe as overly aggressive and inappropriate pat-downs during entry to the stadium. The complaints center around alleged abusive palpations conducted by security personnel. While the match itself ended in a 0-0 tie, the events surrounding entry to the stadium have overshadowed the on-field result.
The Stade des Alpes was under heightened security for the match, a fixture known for its potential for unrest between the supporters of the two clubs. A substantial police presence was deployed, and measures were taken to prevent confrontations, including a ban on smoke bombs and flammable devices. Authorities also restricted Saint-Étienne supporters from traveling to Grenoble the night before the match and on the day of the game, aiming to minimize the risk of pre-match clashes. These preventative measures, even though, did not prevent the allegations of misconduct during the stadium entry process.
ASSE has identified the stadium employee allegedly involved in the incidents and is urging any female supporters who believe they were subjected to inappropriate treatment to contact the club directly to file a formal complaint. The club has not released the name of the employee, citing ongoing investigation protocols. This action signals the club’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by its supporters and ensuring a safe and respectful environment at future matches.
The rivalry between Grenoble Foot 38 and AS Saint-Étienne has a history of incidents, prompting increased security measures at matches between the two sides. Both clubs currently compete in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football, and matches are often highly charged affairs. The heightened tensions are a well-known factor for both clubs and local authorities, leading to the robust security presence seen on Saturday.
This incident comes at a sensitive time for ASSE, who recently saw an end to a positive run of form, as reported by French Football Weekly. The focus now shifts from on-field performance to ensuring the safety and dignity of its supporters.
The Ligue 2 match between GF38 and ASSE took place at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, a venue that holds approximately 20,000 spectators. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, a result that did little to alter the standings in the league table. A video summary of the match is available via madeinsaint-etienne.ouest-france.fr.
The allegations of abusive searches raise broader questions about security protocols at French football stadiums and the treatment of supporters. While security is paramount, it must be conducted in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals. The ASSE’s response, encouraging affected supporters to come forward, is a positive step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring accountability.
The next match for AS Saint-Étienne is scheduled for March 22, 2026, against Amiens SC at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne. The club will likely be under increased scrutiny following these allegations, and supporters will be watching closely to notice how the situation is handled. Fans can find more information about Grenoble Foot 38 and upcoming matches on the club’s official website: gf38.fr.
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