Stade Rennais have released a statement, indicating that one of the club’s supporters was the victim of a sexual assault during Sunday’s Breton derby against FC Nantes.
The match, which was won by Rennes (3-1) is already the subject of an investigation from the LFP’s disciplinary commission. Homophobic chants were heard emanating from the Ultras section, targeting their Breton rivals, but also one of their own players Matthis Abline. The striker is currently on loan at Nantes from Rennes and was therefore ineligible to play in the tie.
The club have now announced that one of their supporters has been the subject of sexual assault during the match at Roazhon Park. In an official press release, the club said, “The club offers its full support and has reached out to the relevant authorities to identify the alleged attacker.”
The woman, who was assaulted in the Mordelles stand, has given her account of the events to So Foot. She recounts how a “completely drunk” fan stood next to her and lowered his hand “closer and closer to [her] breast.” She added, “I ended up crying and switching seats with my friend.”
“My friend understood what [the attacker] was trying to do and he tried to bring his hand back up with his hand so it didn’t go too low,” she said.
“This isolated act does not reflect the atmosphere at Roazhon Park but it drives us to recall the importance of signalling any type of incident to our authorised personnel,” said Rennes in their press release.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
