The image of football fans in France is deplorable.
Public opinion in France has a bad image of football fans. This is not new but the trend is clearly increasing over the years. In March 2019, 55% of French people had a negative image of L1 fans; they were 63% in September 2021 after the Nice-OM incidents; 70% of them now observe supporters as curious and harmful animals.
According to a survey carried out by Odoxa for Winamax and RTL, more than two thirds of French people have a negative image of the spectators who take over the stands of Ligue 1 stadiums every weekend. Violence, homophobia, racism, all the ills of society are evident. in the bays of sports venues dedicated to football in the eyes of those surveyed, 55% of whom believe that the phenomenon is even more serious than abroad.
93% of French people want heavier sanctions
Faced with this feeling, 93% of those asked said they were in favor of greater severity against troublemakers, even if it meant resorting to prison sentences for the most serious acts. Wishful thinking, without any conviction since 63% of respondents trust neither the Professional Football League nor the Ministry of Sports to tighten the screw and finally put an end to incivility in football stadiums.
