Driver attacked by Marseille fans accused of involvement in motorway ambush

Olympique de Marseille have commented on the attack on their supporters as they travelled back from the Clermont Foot victory on Saturday evening. 

Heavy projectiles were launched at eight coaches carrying Marseille fans back to the city as they approached a bridge near the city of Saint-Étienne. After the bus was attacked fans exited the vehicles with baseball bats and assaulted a motorist. 

However, Marseille have communicated to La Provence that they “strongly condemn the attacks suffered by its supporters as they returned from Clermont-Ferrand after showing their support for the team throughout the match without the slightest incident.” 

They continued, “The course of events and the context were not reported in a more precise manner, and did not mention the active involvement of the driver in the incident.”

An allegation that suggests the driver that was attacked by Marseille fans had deliberately slowed down ahead of the bridge where the incident occurred meaning that the bus would be travelling at a speed where they could be ambushed. 

Marseille claims to be investigated

As RMC Sport reports, the use of video surveillance will make it possible to prove whether these allegations are founded. The man who was attacked will reportedly be questioned, and his background will be explored as the police continue their investigation. 

GFFN | Nick Hartland