Violent on-field clashes erupt between Grenoble and Perpignan supporters
Violent clashes erupt between Grenoble and Perpignan supporters following reported political tensions
At the weekend, Perpignan beat Grenoble 13-11 to stay in the Top 14, with Italian star Tommaso Allan kicking the winning penalty in the 77th minute.
The dramatic finish to the match saw Perpignan fans enter the field following the final whistle to celebrate their Top 14 survival. Most Grenoble supporters went home disappointed after losing their third ‘access match’ in a row.
The drama didn’t stop there, however. A fracas ensued between rival supporters on the field as the heat of the day and the intense display between the two sides escalated.
Footage of the fighting
In a video shared on X, several individuals can be seen fighting with each other before riot police got involved.
😨 Fin de match sous tension après l’Access Match : de violentes échauffourées ont éclaté entre supporters grenoblois et perpignanais.
🎙️François Rivière (président de l’USAP) :
« J’ai rarement vu une telle hostilité dans ma carrière. »Triste image…😓#Top14 #FCGUSAP #Rugby pic.twitter.com/pQPYX75ss1
— Ovalie Média (@OvalieMedia) June 17, 2025
Such was the chaos of the scene, some ‘fans’ even appeared to forget who they were fighting, with one Perpignan supporter seen attacking one of his own.
Le pire c’est les intelligents supporters de l’usap qui se tapent entre eux quand même 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/3pZ6PI7HVN
— Matt Dhz (@matteo_dehez) June 17, 2025
Fans react to the fighting
One fan said: “This is what happens when you let rugby values slide. Absolutely shameful. This should lead to heavy sanctions. No true rugby fan wants rugby to become like football. And if it does, I’m off. What are the rugby authorities going to do about this?”
Another added: “What in the ‘football culture’ is going on here!?!?!? This is crazy, man, we can not be having this at Rugby. EVER!!!”
Finally, a commenter came up with a slightly obscure solution, joking: “Make both teams select 5 players from each side to fight until the death. It’s the only justice for this.”
President of USAP commented on the situation, saying: “I had two players chased all the way to the locker room entrance. They were guys who were in the locker room area, a controlled zone, but who wanted to fight my players. It’s incredible, I’ve never seen anything like it! While the Grenoble staff was perfect and very kind.”