Eintracht Frankfurt’s Champions League match against Olympique Marseille was overshadowed by fan riots. An OM supporter is now facing charges of attempted murder
The Marseille public prosecutor’s office announced on Friday that a 26-year-old Olympique Marseille supporter had already been arrested on 19 October in the course of the investigation. He is said to be a resident of Marseille, but his name was not disclosed. The authorities have now announced that he has been charged with “attempted murder, premeditated violence, participation in a criminal organisation and the introduction, possession and use of missiles or fireworks in a sports venue”.
According to the French sports newspaper “L’Equipe”, pre-trial detention was ordered against the suspect, but he was released at the request of the defence. The Marseille public prosecutor’s office is said to have appealed the decision.
On Matchday 2 of the group stage, Eintracht Frankfurt beat Olympique Marseille 1-0 with a 43rd minute goal from Lindström. The match was accompanied by heavy clashes between the two fan camps. The “OM” supporters in particular displayed a frightening hostility. Frankfurt’s board member Philipp Reschke had not thought such an outbreak of violence “possible in our world” and had to admit that “it is very strange the extent of aggression and hatred that we encountered in all the gestures – and of course also met with reactions. For us, this was not yet known in this form, this mass and intensity. “
Victim sustains serious injuries
The suspect is specifically accused of being the person who fired a flare from a fan block of Marseille fans into the Frankfurt spectator area at the Velodrome stadium. This hit a 65-year-old SGE supporter in the cervical vertebrae. As a result, he fell and suffered serious injuries. After initial treatment in Marseille, the victim was subsequently transferred to Frankfurt University Hospital.
According to French media, the suspect admitted to firing the rocket during his time in police custody. The incidents, particularly in the stadium, have also drawn the attention of UEFA. The continental association is investigating both the OM supporters and the Frankfurt fans.
