Violent Clashes Erupt in Lyon After OL vs. Celta Vigo Match
Lyon, March 20, 2026 – A Celta Vigo supporter was stabbed and injured during violent confrontations that broke out in Lyon’s Guillotière district late Thursday night, March 19, 2026, following the Europa League match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and Celta Vigo. The incident led to the arrest of a minor female. The Spanish club eliminated OL from the competition, prompting celebrations that reportedly escalated into violence.
The clashes occurred around 12:30 AM, after a group of Celta Vigo fans, celebrating their team’s victory, attempted to board a TCL bus near the Saxe-Gambetta metro station. According to security sources, the bus driver refused to depart due to the presence of individuals seemingly prepared for confrontation, some reportedly armed with sticks or reinforced gloves. The group then proceeded on foot towards Place Gabriel-Péri in Guillotière, allegedly damaging urban furniture along the way.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Intense Confrontations
Upon reaching the Guillotière area, violent clashes erupted between the Spanish supporters and other individuals, who may have been local residents or passersby. Eyewitnesses reported the use of numerous fireworks, with one resident stating, “I was woken up around 1 AM. There were dozens of people involved, some chasing others. I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 15 years, and I’ve never seen anything like it; it was very impressive.”
Police, who had been on alert and pre-positioned in strategic locations due to the high-risk nature of the evening, quickly intervened. Officers deployed numerous tear gas grenades to de-escalate the violence, particularly in areas such as Rue de Marseille. However, the skirmishes continued for several minutes, resulting in at least one injury.
Stabbing Incident and Arrest
On Rue Sébastien-Gryphe, a Spanish supporter was reportedly attacked by several individuals. The victim, whose age has not yet been released, was repeatedly struck, including with what appeared to be a wooden plank. He also sustained at least one stab wound. The fan was treated by emergency services under police protection and subsequently transported to Édouard-Herriot Hospital with injuries to his foot and arm.
Following the incident, a person suspected of striking the victim with a plank was apprehended. According to exclusive information, the arrested individual is a minor female. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact sequence of events and the precise roles of all involved parties.
The events highlight ongoing concerns about fan violence and public safety following major sporting events. Authorities are working to identify other individuals involved in the clashes and to establish the full circumstances surrounding the stabbing. The incident casts a shadow over what should have been a night of sporting celebration, underscoring the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing large gatherings of passionate fans.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and more details become available. The city of Lyon continues to grapple with the aftermath of these violent confrontations, emphasizing the need for robust security measures at future sporting events.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/ol-celta-vigo-un-supporter-espagnol-poignarde-lors-d-affrontements-violents-a-lyon_64020310.html
