February 14 – Paris city hall is taking legal action after sections of Paris Saint-Germain fans targeted the local mayor Anne Hidalgo with sexist insults and homophobic chants during a French league match.
Hidalgo, who is opposed to selling the Council-owned stadium to PSG, will in addition lodge a complaint in her own name for public insults.
The club have long sought to purchase the stadium outright before expanding it in order to improve matchday revenues.
Hidalgo, 64, was allegedly subjected to the abuse during the Ligue 1 fixture against Lille on February 10. Fans displayed a series of banners protesting the proposed departure from the Parc des Princes and criticising Hidalgo. Homophobic chanting was also allegedly heard.
“During the PSG-Lille match, homophobic chants were once again uttered at the Parc des Princes. They were accompanied by sexist insults against the mayor of Paris. Through its lawyer, the City has taken legal action so that light can be shed on these events and that all responsibilities are taken,” a statement said.
“Furthermore, Anne Hidalgo will file a complaint in her name for public insult with the constitution of civil party.”
PSG have played at the Parc des Princes since their first appearance in the French top flight in 1974 and agreed a 30-year extension to their lease in 2013.
‘Without PSG, the Parc has no more Princes’, one banner read. ‘Hidalgo is killing Paris and its magic’, was another slogan, while chants of ‘Hidalgo resign!’ could also be heard in addition to the insults.
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