Paris (AFP)

The president of the National Rugby League (LNR) Paul Goze and the National Association of Professional Sports Leagues (ANLSP) criticized on Saturday the attitude of the public of Paris SG, accused of neglecting social distancing during a friendly match Friday at the Parc des Princes.

In a stadium limited to 5,000 people by the latest government health guidelines, a thousand PSG ultras have provided the atmosphere, without necessarily respecting social distancing. The images have since made the turn of social networks.

"Madam Minister, we are angry and dismayed by the images of the stands of the match which took place last night at the Parc des Princes, a few days before the decisions to be taken by the Government concerning the conditions of reception of the public in the stadiums from the end of August, "wrote Paul Goze in an open letter to the Minister for Sports, Roxana Maracineanu, with a copy to Prime Minister Jean Castex and other members of his government.

"We urge you so that the irresponsible actions of a minority do not influence a decision which involves the recovery of an entire sector of activity, and as far as we are concerned the survival of our clubs", adds the boss of the LNR, for whom "a minority of individuals" cannot "penalize the immense majority who are responsible, respectful of health standards and aware of the issues".

In a press release, the ANLSP deplores "the non-compliance with health regulations by certain Parisian supporters" and considers that this behavior "is a task while the leaders of the various sports argue for an increase in the size of spectators in sports arenas" .

-Galtier very worried-

The ANLSP brings together the professional leagues of football, rugby, cycling, basketball, hand and volleyball. She believes that "the behavior of a few must not question everything, including to their own detriment, and jeopardize the survival of an entire economic sector".

It recommends, in the event that health protocols are not respected by "a minority of individuals in a minority of matches", to put in place "targeted measures and limited to the matches concerned".

On July 12, the day of the Le Havre-Paris SG friendly match, the first match disputed in front of the public, Ms. Maracineanu had mentioned "a re-qualification clause in mid-July" to study the possibility of increasing the size of spectators admitted to the stadiums .

In addition, during a press conference after the friendly match between Lille and the Belgians of Mouscron, Lille coach Christophe Galtier, including three players who have just been tested positive for coronavirus, called on the French State to "be With us, we should not advocate, we must prohibit, "he said.

"If we continue like this, we will not be able to avoid a second wave and it will be complicated for everyone. We have to be firmer in decision-making, and (we need) greater individual responsibility to respect the barrier gestures "suggested Galtier.

© 2020 AFP