“Achraf, total support.” On February 25, during the second leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off match against Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) ultras unfurled a banner at the Parc des Princes in Paris in support of Achraf Hakimi, the team’s vice-captain. The day before, an investigating judge had ordered the player to stand trial for “rape” before a criminal court.
The supporters’ highly visible message was quickly criticized by several advocacy groups and feminist activists, who pointed to the club’s responsibility in the matter. On Instagram, Paris City Council member Alice Coffin (Greens) notably recalled being assaulted by Parc des Princes security when she tried to display a banner in support of female footballers who were victims of sexual assault in 2023.
Although PSG’s ultras leaders and their lawyer did not respond to Le Monde‘s inquiry for comment, PSG’s management is now attempting to strike a delicate balance between defending its employee, showing leniency to its fans and meeting its moral obligations.
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