04 June 2023 , 13:15
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Fans of French outfit Ajaccio attacked an eight-year-old boy who has brain cancer on Saturday - with the club condemning the "unspeakable acts".
Ajaccio have been relegated from Ligue 1 and were hosting Marseille at the Stade Francois Coty on the final weekend of the season. The game was overshadowed as the club's fans attacked a young Marseille supporter called Kenzo, who has severe brain cancer, whilst his father was also punched twice.
The child's shirt was ripped off him and later burnt by home fans as crowd trouble marred the contest, which Ajaccio won 1-0 thanks to a late goal. French outlet RMC Sport claims there were racist chants inside the stadium whilst there is also footage of a journalist being attacked.
Ajaccio said in a statement: "On April 25, AC Ajaccio had the pleasure of hosting... little Kenzo, who is suffering from cancer. He had expressed his dream of meeting the players of Marseille, the club of his city and his heart. Kenzo and his family were invited so that the child could realise his dream during the match this evening.
"The dream quickly turned into a nightmare when Kenzo and his parents, who came in the colours of Marseille, were shamefully abused by individuals who broke into their dressing room. Alerted (to the incident), the security of the club intervened. Kenzo and his family were taken care of by the club's security and escorted to the changing room area so that the child could fulfil his dream. These individuals in no way represent the values of our club and our island
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The young fan met his favourite Marseille player amid the unsavoury scenes (@lecombatdekenzo/Twitter)"Even the most extreme stupidity cannot excuse these behaviors! The club strongly condemns these unspeakable acts! AC Ajaccio will shed full light on these shameful actions. As soon as the individuals have been identified by our services, we will file a complaint against them. AC Ajaccio is in solidarity with little Kenzo and his parents."
Kenzo and his father were invited to the game by the Ajaccio hierarchy before the disgraceful scenes took place. The duo were given security protection within the ground's changing rooms after the incidents occurred, which allowed the young fan to meet several of his Marseille heroes, including his favourite player Matteo Guendouzi.
Marseille's supporters clash with French police before the game (AFP via Getty Images)Kenzo's mother Amandine told Corse-Matin : "Since we thought we were safe, I allowed Kenzo to put on his shirt, my husband took him by the hand to show him the players walking onto the field. And everything went wrong. They pushed my son and his head hit the railing.
"They hit my husband in the face, ripped off the little one's shirt and went to burn it. Before leaving the dressing room, they even spat in the food that was on the floor at our disposal. Kenzo is well aware that he is very seriously ill, he is losing his sight due to his tumour and he said to me: "Before I see nothing more, I want to see OM in Ajaccio"... These fools traumatised him."