Following the chaotic scenes that forced officials to abandon the recent Ligue 1 clash between Nantes FC and Toulouse, the spotlight now turns to potential disciplinary measures. Roland Menu, leader of the “Allez Nantes Canaris” supporters’ club, condemns the violence that overshadowed the sport.
Chaos on the field: what really happened during the match?
Pitch invasions, projectile throwing, and lit black smoke bombs marked the final moments of the Nantes-Toulouse encounter. The match was called off permanently after these disturbances.
Roland Menu, a lifelong Nantes supporter of 60 years and president of “Allez Nantes Canaris,” expresses deep disappointment over the incidents that could have severe repercussions for the club.
Do you align with coach Vahid Halilhodžić’s views, calling the perpetrators “shameful” and “cowardly”?
Absolutely. This was a disgrace. I’m heartbroken by what unfolded last night. While we’re all frustrated with the current situation at Nantes FC, storming the pitch crosses every line. We cannot condone this behavior—we know the consequences it brings.
Were you expecting such extreme actions from the ultras?
Rumors circulated about potential protests, but we anticipated them post-match, not during the game—and certainly not with this level of intensity and force.
Coach Halilhodžić pleaded for calm. Do you share his frustration?
Without a doubt. His primary goal was to urge everyone back into the stands to resume play. His reaction was entirely justified—he wanted the game to continue. Especially considering this was his final match, it’s truly disheartening.
What penalties might Nantes FC face?
The league will announce its decision on May 27th. First, we fear closed-door matches could be imposed, meaning we might lose home games in August. Worse still, point deductions would cripple our season before it even begins—a scenario reminiscent of what befell Saint-Étienne four years ago.
Calls for dissolving the Brigade Loire have surfaced. Is this the solution?
For us, the Brigade Loire isn’t a supporters’ club—it’s a group of individuals. While they contribute to stadium atmosphere, yesterday’s actions were indefensible. Pitch invasions by any group don’t represent true support.
So you don’t consider them supporters?
No. True support means encouraging the team through every high and low. That’s what defines a real supporter.
A lifetime of loyalty: will you continue to back Nantes FC in Ligue 2?
Without hesitation. Our allegiance is to Nantes FC itself—through good times and bad, through good leadership and poor decisions. At the end of the day, it’s about the club.
