Saint-Étienne supporters protest and meet president ahead of government hearing
Thousands of AS Saint-Étienne supporters staged a protest and met with club president Ivan Gazidis ahead of a crucial government hearing regarding the future of their supporter groups. According to reports from RMC Sport, between 3,000 and 5,000 fans gathered before the club's Ligue 2 match against Dunkerque on April 9, 2026, to demonstrate against the potential dissolution of their ultras groups.
The gathering, organized by groups including the Magic Fans and Green Angels, then moved towards the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard behind a banner reading 'Le chaudron ne se dissout pas' (The cauldron does not dissolve). Following the demonstration, a delegation of approximately ten supporters met with Gazidis, who had previously offered his public support, other club officials, the mayor of Saint-Étienne Régis Juanico, and senator Pierre-Jean Rochette. This meeting served as a precursor to a formal hearing scheduled for Monday, April 13, at the French Ministry of the Interior.
Inside the stadium, despite the closure of their usual section, the Green Angels displayed a banner stating their unity and pride. The show of support from the stands appeared to galvanize the team, which went on to secure a victory over Dunkerque, a result that increased pressure on league rivals Troyes in the promotion race. The context for the government hearing stems from a long-running investigation into the activities of certain ultras groups in French football, with authorities possessing the power to disband organizations deemed to pose a public order risk.
The situation at Saint-Étienne is being closely watched across French football as a test case for the relationship between clubs, their most passionate fans, and the state. The club's leadership, by engaging directly with the supporters, is attempting to navigate a path that recognizes the cultural importance of the groups while addressing any legal concerns. The outcome of the ministerial hearing could set a significant precedent for how similar cases are handled at other clubs in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2.
The protest and meeting underscore the deep-rooted connection between the club and its fanbase, a relationship seen as vital to the identity of one of France's most historic teams. With the club pushing for promotion back to the top flight, managing this off-pitch situation is as crucial as results on it. The solidarity shown between the players, the president, and the supporters highlights a unified front as they face external scrutiny.
