Violence Erupts After Coupe De France Match In Sainghin-en-Mélantois

In a shocking incident that marred a Coupe de France match on October 27, 2024, between Anstaing-Chéreng and Lomme Délivrance in Sainghin-en-Mélantois, violence erupted after the game concluded with a penalty shootout. The match, which saw Anstaing-Chéreng triumph over Lomme Délivrance, ended in chaos as tensions escalated into a full-blown brawl involving players and supporters.

On March 25, 2025, three individuals were brought before the Lille court for their roles in the violence that ensued. They were sentenced to prison terms ranging from six to eight months and received a six-month ban from attending any football matches. This incident has raised serious concerns about safety and sportsmanship within the amateur football community.

According to reports, the gendarmes were called to the scene as approximately 15 individuals stormed the pitch at the conclusion of the match. Supporters of Lomme allegedly unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks against the victorious Anstaing-Chéreng players, leading to multiple injuries.

One person in the audience suffered a cardiac arrest due to the high tension in the air, as the situation spiraled out of control. The brawl was characterized by violent exchanges, including threats and insults, which only fueled the chaos. The president of the court described the scene as "a chaos," supported by photographic and video evidence collected during the investigation.

Victims of the brawl included players and a club volunteer, who was particularly affected. This volunteer sustained a broken nose and dental issues, requiring surgery, and was awarded 23 days of incapacity for work (ITT). In total, five individuals were reported injured, with varying degrees of severity.

The altercation was reportedly triggered by racist insults directed at the Anstaing-Chéreng goalkeeper, igniting a wave of violence among the supporters. One of the defendants later admitted, "It was the racist insults that made me go in. At the moment, I didn’t think." This sentiment was echoed by others who testified that the situation escalated rapidly due to the heated atmosphere.

As the court proceedings unfolded, one of the defendants presented a contradictory account of his whereabouts during the incident, initially claiming to be at his mother's house before admitting to being present on the field. He stated, "I decided to tell the truth," but his credibility was questioned as he was identified as a key participant in the brawl.

Another defendant claimed to have seen one of his peers wielding a switchblade knife during the skirmish. However, the accused vehemently denied carrying any weapon, asserting that he only entered the field after hearing the racist remarks. The court president pressed him, questioning whether such actions were justified, to which he responded, "Today I realize that no, I shouldn’t have acted that way. But I can’t go back in time."

The other two defendants acknowledged their involvement from the outset. One admitted he acted in defense of his brother, while the third, who is active in a local football club and a father, claimed to have simply followed the crowd. He reflected on the consequences of the event, stating, "We wanted to take justice into our own hands, but that’s not our role."

Cédric Bettremieux, president of the Hauts-de-France football league, commented on the premeditated nature of the violence, stating that he witnessed individuals entering the field equipped with sticks and telescopic batons, which he deemed unacceptable for a sporting event. The prosecutor echoed these sentiments, condemning the violence as contrary to the values of sport.

In the end, the court sentenced the first defendant to six months of imprisonment, to be served at home under electronic surveillance, while the other two received eight-month sentences with a two-year probationary period. They were also ordered to compensate the injured parties and participate in training or employment initiatives, along with completing a citizenship course. Additionally, all three defendants are prohibited from attending any football matches for six months and from possessing or carrying weapons for three years.

This incident has sparked a significant debate about the culture of violence in sports and the responsibilities of fans and players alike. As the dust settles, the broader football community is left grappling with the implications of such behavior and the urgent need for measures to ensure safety and sportsmanship in future matches.