Split, Croatia — Six members of the Irrésistibles Français, a France fan group, were assaulted Wednesday night in Split, ahead of their team’s quarter-final UEFA Nations League match against Croatia.
The incident occurred as the supporters were walking to their hotel after dinner. Eight young men, dressed in black, confronted them on the waterfront. They asked the French fans if they were “Ultras français” and attempted to intimidate them.
During the altercation, Hervé Mougin, president of the fan group, was attacked with a crutch while trying to de-escalate the situation. Mougin explained, “I was trying to calm things down when suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my back.”n
Although the group was chased for a short while, they managed to escape unharmed. Local authorities have been notified, but no formal complaint has been filed by the French fans.
In anticipation of the upcoming match, about 300 French supporters are warned to exercise caution in Split. Local police have increased patrols and advised fans to avoid potential confrontations.
The FFF, French Football Federation, has put measures in place for French fans travelling abroad, including notifying the French Ministry of the Interior and liaison officer Mohamed Sanhadji about the event.
This week’s encounter is crucial as it determines which team advances to the semi-finals. France faces Croatia this Thursday at 20:45 local time, with a return match scheduled next Sunday in Paris.
Despite the tension, Mougin remains hopeful. “We travel for the love of the game and our team. We will not be deterred by cowardly acts. We stand together and support our boys in blue.”
