Brest: Violence and tension between Brest and Lens fans before the match

An atmosphere of celebration and communion around football turned into a field of violence in Brest yesterday, before the meeting between Stade Brestois 29 and RC Lens. Violent altercations opposed groups of supporters, leaving three people injured and sowing tension in the city.

The most serious incident occurred around noon on a Brest street in front of a restaurant. A video broadcast on X shows individuals, many of whom were dressed in black, competing. According to consistent sources, a group of about forty Brest supporters, tied inside the restaurant, were reportedly attacked by some 60 hooded and armed with iron bars and baseball bats. Firefighters took care of the three wounded. The police have not conducted any arrests at this time.

After the game, Lens fans discovered their pebbly vehicles. On the way back, a group of Ultras from Stade Brestois blocked the RN12, in an attempt to provoke a confrontation. Witnesses claim that some fifty or even a hundred Brestois chased the vehicles towards Lens, armed with iron bars and stones.

A Lens supporter testified of general confusion, describing damaged vehicles and regretting the absence of a police escort, forcing the group to turn around. These tragic incidents recall the reasons why travel between Brest and Lens, and vice versa, is currently limited, and underline the need for increased vigilance to ensure security during meetings.