Pitch invasions, projectiles, and violent clashes marred the recent Ligue 1 clash between FC Nantes and Toulouse. Now, the president of the “Allez Nantes Canaris” supporters’ club has spoken out against the shameful behavior that forced an early end to the match.
What began as a tense Ligue 1 fixture quickly spiraled out of control. Pitch invasions, flying objects, and lit smoke bombs turned the match into a spectacle of disorder. The game was halted before full-time, leaving both teams and fans stunned.
Roland Menu, a lifelong FC Nantes supporter and president of the “Allez Nantes Canaris” club, has condemned the actions of a minority whose behavior he says has nothing to do with true fandom.
Do you agree with coach Vahid Halilhodžić’s description of the perpetrators as “shameful” and “cowardly”?
Absolutely. This was a disgrace. I’ve supported Nantes for over 60 years, and to see such behavior is heartbreaking. While we’re all frustrated with the team’s struggles, invading the pitch is unacceptable. We know the consequences this kind of action brings—sanctions that hurt every fan.
Did you expect such a violent outburst?
We had heard rumors of possible protests, but nothing like this—especially not mid-match. The scale and intensity of the violence were shocking. No true supporter acts this way.
How do you view coach Halilhodžić’s reaction?
His frustration is understandable. He wanted the match to continue, and for players and fans to return to their seats. This was his final game—it’s tragic that it ended this way.
What sanctions do you fear most?
Closed-door matches would be devastating. Missing home games in August would be a huge blow. And point deductions? That would cripple us before the season even starts. We’ve seen what happened to Saint-Étienne years ago—no one wants a repeat.
Some are calling for the dissolution of the Brigade Loire. What’s your take?
The Brigade Loire isn’t a supporters’ club—it’s a group of individuals. While they bring energy to the stadium, yesterday’s actions were not those of real supporters. True fandom means cheering in good times and bad, not causing chaos.
So you don’t consider them real supporters?
No. Supporting a team means respecting the game and the club. What happened was pure hooliganism.
Will you continue to support FC Nantes even if they’re relegated?
Of course. Through promotions, relegations, and leadership changes, our loyalty to the club never wavers. What matters is the team—Nantes is in our hearts, win or lose.
