The prefecture of Moselle agreed to the move of approximately 700 fans of the Racing to St.Symphorien stadium in Metz during the recovery of Ligue 1, next Sunday. This authorization, confirmed by the CBCN supporters’ associations, will allow a large presence of blue fans in the stadium. These supporters, accompanied by bus from Strasbourg, will be escorted to Metz. However, the partial closure of the eastern and western stands of St.Symphorien Stadium, a sanction decided by the disciplinary commission of the Professional Football League following pyrotechnic incidents during a Ligue 2 match in May, remains in force, thus depriving Metz players of the atmosphere of their most passionate supporters.

Furthermore, confirmed information indicates that defender Ismaël Doukuré was removed from the Racing professional group for refusing to extend his contract. The player’s absence from the Saturday game in Mainz was evasively explained by Liam Rosenior, who promised to speak in more detail next week. It seems that Dukouré’s withdrawal is directly related to his refusal to renew his lease, which runs until June 2026. The player would have waited for outside offers, which have not yet been received, and is now training with the reserve pending a resolution of the situation.

This situation is taking place in a context of the resumption of the French championship, with the authorisation of the displacement of supporters from Strasbourg to attend the Eastern derby. The Moselle Prefecture has taken these decisions in the light of the necessary security measures and disciplinary sanctions imposed as a result of past incidents. The future of Ismaël Doukuré raises questions about the composition of the Metz team and the management of relations between players and clubs.