Anti-racism groups file complaint over alleged racist attacks near Lyon stadium

French anti-racism groups SOS Racisme and Sportitude filed a complaint with the Lyon public prosecutor over two alleged racist attacks involving three people near Olympique Lyonnais' stadium, the organizations said Thursday.

The incidents occurred around Lyon's Ligue 1 match against Le Havre at Groupama Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 29.

Meriem Bouchedda, an opposition municipal councillor in Rillieux-la-Pape, said she and her husband were subjected to racist insults and physically assaulted by a group of supporters after the match.

According to French regional newspaper Le Progres, the couple was confronted while heading away from the stadium after security measures had been lifted.

Bouchedda said several people punched and kicked her husband. She said she was also struck while attempting to help him, leaving her with a fractured wrist, torn T-shirt, and broken glasses. Both were prescribed 15 days of temporary incapacity, and Bouchedda filed a formal complaint.

In a separate incident before the match, a 17-year-old student returning from a futsal session was allegedly attacked near the stadium by about 40 masked individuals, some carrying batons, according to Le Progres.

The teenager, who had no connection to the match, was reportedly subjected to racist insults and death threats before being beaten while on the ground. He suffered fractures to his jaw and nose and was prescribed 30 days of temporary incapacity. A complaint was also filed regarding the attack.

SOS Racisme and Sportitude asked prosecutors to fully establish the circumstances of the attacks—particularly their alleged racist nature—and called for comprehensive investigations. The organizations also urged Olympique Lyonnais to strengthen measures against racism and violence and offered assistance to victims and witnesses.

Olympique Lyonnais condemned the violence, stating it was fully cooperating with judicial authorities during the investigation. The club added that it was considering joining legal proceedings as a civil party alongside the victims and would permanently ban anyone found to have been involved.

"Olympique Lyonnais strongly condemns all forms of violence and stands with the victims," the club said, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy toward violence, racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination.