A top flight football club have been forced to postpone their upcoming match as fixture chaos has erupted after local government decided to intervene
A top-flight football match has been postponed, causing fixture chaos. Toulouse and Troyes’ clash, which was set for Saturday (October 24) has been moved from Sunday (October 25) due to civil unrest in France.
France has been rocked by ongoing riots after demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services spiralled out of control over the weekend with the French Interior Minister admitting police have lost control.
Nuñez said 350 people had been arrested in Paris on Sunday and overnight. Nationwide, more than 2,330 people were taken into police custody over the weekend. While curfews have also been imposed.
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And as the violence spreads across the country, Ligue 1 has been hit with the clash being moved. Toulouse said in a statement on Wednesday their match had been rescheduled for the following day.
“At the request of the Prefecture of Haute-Garonne and in agreement with the broadcaster Ligue1 +, the TéFéCé – ESTAC Troyes match, initially scheduled for Saturday 24 October at 17:15, is postponed to Sunday 25 October at 17:15.”
Toulouse imposed an overnight curfew in parts of the city, but these are set to end on Sunday.
The riots have impacted football clubs with stores being looted. On Monday both Marseille and Lille released statements.
Marseille said: “Olympique de Marseille condemns in the strongest possible terms the acts of violence and looting targeting its official store on the Canebiere and expresses its solidarity with its partner Puma, which operates the store.
“These events have caused significant property damage, forcing the club to temporarily close this store to the public. Fans may, however, continue to visit OM’s other official stores in Marseille. The club will inform its fans as soon as conditions allow for a reopening.”
While Lille said: “LOSC would also like to acknowledge and thank everyone who has offered support over the past few hours – first and foremost our store employees, but also the many passersby, fans and non-fans alike, who spontaneously offered their help, a helping hand, and words of comfort.”