General view inside the Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre-Mauroy before a match, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France, January 29, 2025. REUTERS/Johanna Geron
(Reuters) -Ligue 1 club Lille will pursue legal action against some of their fans after incidents of hate speech and racist insults in the visitors' stands during their matches at Red Star Belgrade and Strasbourg last week, the French outfit said on Monday.
"LOSC strongly condemns the unacceptable behaviour observed, as well as the hateful comments and racist insults made by certain individuals in the visitors' section during trips to Belgrade and Strasbourg last Thursday and Sunday," the club said in a statement.
"Such behaviour is unacceptable and completely contrary to the values that the club consistently upholds and promotes."
The statement came after testimonies and video footage circulated on social media showing some Lille fans shouting racist remarks in Sunday's 2-0 loss at Strasbourg in Ligue 1.
Lille lost 1-0 at Red Star in the Europa league.
"Concrete measures were taken this morning. A procedure to identify the individuals involved is currently under way, with a view to filing several complaints with the police authorities," the club added.
"LOSC intends to pursue legal action against them and seek appropriate sanctions."
(Reporting by Vincent Daheron; Editing by Ken Ferris)
