The scales of Themis, symbol of Justice. (Drawing) – Superstock / Sipa
“Unacceptable facts”, indicated the football club of Saint-Etienne (ASSE). After the hazing of two young apprentice footballers from the ASSE training center, a judicial investigation has just been opened for “intentional assault and battery”, corroborating sources learned on Sunday.
ASSE filed a complaint against X on Friday following the revelations of the victims, aged 15 and 16, to their educators, a judicial source told AFP, confirming information from the sports daily L’Equipe.
“Assault and battery against a background of hazing”
The investigation for “assault and battery against a background of hazing” was entrusted to the search brigade of the gendarmerie of Saint-Etienne.
At the end of an internal investigation, the club evokes “unacceptable facts” and indicates in a statement that “two residents were summoned to an interview prior to a possible sanction and laid off as a precaution. A third was temporarily suspended. “
“Fourth best training center, according to the latest ranking of the French Football Federation, the club cannot tolerate inappropriate acts contrary to the values inscribed in its sports project of excellence allowing many young players to integrate the professional group », Emphasizes ASSE.
“Mark the passage of some in higher year”
The improvised hazing during which the two young residents were allegedly beaten with sticks by three of their elders occurred on the evening of July 24, shortly after the final of the Coupe de France lost by ASSE (0- 1) against Paris Saint-Germain.
Intended to “mark the passage of some to the next year”, the hazing took place when the two teenagers returned to their rooms at the L’Etrat training center (Loire), after watching the match on television with the other residents. The young apprentices waited several days before talking to their educators.