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Dijon, France – Two supporters of Stade Malherbe Caen were attacked following a National football match against Dijon FCO on Friday, February 13, 2026, leaving one with injuries requiring three days of medical care. A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the assault and is scheduled to appear in court in June 2026, according to authorities.
The incident occurred outside the Gaston-Gérard stadium in Dijon after the match ended in a 3-3 draw. The attack has prompted condemnation from both clubs and a criminal investigation. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about supporter violence in French football, even at the National level.
Details of the Attack and Arrest
The Dijon prosecutor’s office announced the pursuit of charges against the 22-year-old suspect on Monday, February 16, 2026. He was initially taken into custody over the weekend but has since been released under judicial supervision. The charges relate to “violence committed in a group and within the context of a sporting event,” according to the prosecutor.
The victims, both originating from the Calvados region of Normandy, were reportedly targeted as they were leaving the stadium. One supporter sustained injuries that have been assessed as requiring three days of incapacité totale de travail (ITT), a standard measure of injury severity in France. The nature of the injuries has not been publicly detailed beyond this assessment.
Club Responses and Condemnation
Both SM Caen and Dijon FCO have issued statements condemning the violence. Dijon FCO announced it would be filing a formal complaint against the perpetrators, stating that football should remain “a vector of positive emotions.” Ouest-France reported. SM Caen too expressed its support for the injured supporters on social media.
The suspect has been identified as being affiliated with the Lingon’Boys, a supporters group associated with Dijon FCO. But, authorities have stated that the suspect did not directly inflict the injuries, but was present during the incident. Le Journal du Centre details that the suspect has been placed under judicial control and banned from attending future matches.
Broader Context of Football Violence
This incident is not isolated. Supporter violence remains a concern in French football, with incidents occurring across various leagues. The National league, although a lower division, is not immune to these issues, as evidenced by this recent attack. The match itself was described as “crazy” with three goals scored in the final minutes, adding to the heightened emotions surrounding the game. Ouest-France highlighted the dramatic finish to the match.
The Stade Malherbe Caen confirmed that at least two supporters were targeted by a group of approximately ten Dijon supporters. Both the club and the victims have filed complaints with the authorities. Actu.fr reported on the club’s swift reaction and support for the affected fans.
What comes next is the judicial process, with the 22-year-old suspect due in court in June. Authorities will likely continue to investigate the incident to identify any additional individuals involved. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched by both clubs and football fans, as it could set a precedent for dealing with supporter violence in the future.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this incident and the broader issue of football violence in the comments below.