Fabio Grosso got the worst of a violent incident in Marseille that shocked fans around the world. The newly appointed manager of Olympique Lyon was injured by Marseille fans ahead of their clash in Ligue 1.
Lyon and Marseille have been bitter historical rivals due to their competitiveness in the top half of Ligue 1. This heated rivalry between the clubs led to uncalled violence when the Lyon team bus was subjected to projectiles from the fans outside the Velodrome stadium in Marseille.
Fabio Grosso was left bleeding after the attack on the team bus. The match was abandoned after Grosso and his assistant, Raffaele Longo, got injured from projectiles from the fans. As per various reports, these projectiles were rocks thrown by the fans at the bus.
Prison for all involved. It’s just a game at the end of the day guys…
— Hesh (@HeshComps) October 29, 2023
The attack led to some serious face injuries to head coach Fabio Grosso and his assistant, Raffaele Longo. The manager was covered in blood after the attack and needed immediate medical attention. Grosso was later pictured with heavy bandages around his head.
The Ligue 1 clash between the rivals was called off after the incident, and around 65,000 fans in the Velodrome stadium were made to leave the stadium due to an immature act from a few bad apples. The pictures of the Italian manager were released online, which drew even more criticism from the fans on social media.
Has to be repercussions for this surely
— MAH (@matissearmani) October 29, 2023
Comments like “Prison for all involved. It’s just a game at the end of the day guys,” “What is actually going on in this world man,” “Has to be repercussions for this surely,” “Suspend all Marseille fans and hit them with point deductions. That’s horrible,” and “Marseille must be severely punished, it’s shameful,” echoed the sentiments of the fans who demand justice for the Lyon manager, with serious repercussions for Marseille fans.
Lyon’s squad thought about carrying on with the match after the incident. However, their opinion changed after seeing the physical condition of Fabio Grosso and his assistant. The clash was an important fixture for Lyon, who are currently bottom of the Ligue 1 table.
Lyon’s President gave an update on Fabio Grosso
Lyon club president John Textor talked to Prime Video about the incident. Textor revealed: “[Grosso] can’t hold a conversation, he had shards of glass in his face. I’m very angry – our players, our coach, prepared for tonight and the fans wanted to see the game played.”
Textor further added: “Once the window was broken, other projectiles hit him, just above the eye. There were beer bottles, which hit him on the forehead.” Lyon later released footage on their social media accounts where the squad and Fabio Grosso thanked the traveling fans at Velodrome Stadium
Notre équipe a tenu à saluer nos supporters ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/fEOU8Wlfmx
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) October 29, 2023
Fabio Grosso led the team with a determined look on his face. He was heavily bandaged above the eye as a result of the incident. Lyon also released an official statement condemning the actions of the fans who were involved in the incident. They also pointed out that the hostile nature around the fixture is not new. They called for authorities to step in to stop any bigger incidents in the future.
On the other hand, Marseille issued a statement wishing Fabio Grosso a speedy recovery. They also condemned the incident due to the violent behavior and stated that this type of behavior has no place in sports or society.
Grosso is newly appointed by Lyon to change the course of the season. Since taking the hot seat in mid-September, he has managed the side for four matches in the league, in which he has yet to register a victory. The latest incident will surely unite the club as one and might turn the tide in their favor.