Nantes fan ‘stabbed to death by taxi driver’ as violence erupts before Nice game
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A Nantes supporter has reportedly been stabbed to death by a taxi driver as violence erupted before their Ligue 1 clash with Nice on Saturday. The incident took place before kick-off at 8pm local time when fans were travelling to the Stade de la Beaujoire to watch their team in action.
The 31-year-old victim was said to have been murdered by a taxi driver who was driving a vehicle full of Nice supporters, according to French outlet Ouest.
The assailant reportedly stabbed the victim in the back outside of the Saint Georges Bar, near the stadium. They have since turned themselves into local police.
According to Get French Football News, the Nantes fan was a member of the team’s most notorious fan group, Brigade Loire, who often meet at the local bar before home games.
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According to French media, Nantes public prosecutor Renaud Gaudeul said: “Shortly before 8pm, several vehicles carrying Nice supporters were attacked by FC Nantes supporters.
“During these events, in circumstances which remain to be determined, a 31-year-old man, a FC Nantes supporter, collapsed. The very first forensic investigations show that the victim had a wound on his back, possibly caused by a bladed weapon.”
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A club statement provided some more detail on the incident: “In circumstances which are the subject of an ongoing legal investigation, the 31-year-old collapsed, hit in the back. Despite the intervention of emergency services, the supporter could not be saved.
“The Public Prosecutor’s Office has announced that an investigation into intentional homicide has been opened. Numerous witness interviews are underway and will continue into the night.”
Nantes head coach Jocelyn Gourvennec said that he was only made aware of the situation after their 1-0 win over Nice, which saw muted scenes despite a big victory.
“I only found out after the match,” he said. “I can’t imagine that we come to see a football match, sometimes as a family, and that we could be between life and death. The players talked about it a lot in the locker room. We will pray for him.”
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