He is being prosecuted for “apologia for a crime against humanity” and “incitement to hatred on the occasion of a sporting event”. A man accused of giving a Nazi salute during the heated match between OGC Nice and Olympique de Marseille was remanded in custody on Friday pending trial.
“These are not my ideas. It is a provocative gesture. And I will be punished in the way it will be necessary ”, explained the defendant, according to remarks reported by Nice morning.
Arrested Thursday, this 31-year-old commercial was the subject of an immediate appearance on Friday. But he was granted a deadline to prepare his defense and his trial was postponed to October 13, said the public prosecutor of Nice.
Two more trials to come
The SOS Racisme association, which had lodged a complaint two days after the events, said it was “satisfied with the responsiveness of the justice system and the placement in pre-trial detention” of this man. La Licra, Crif, the Professional Football League, the OGC Nice and Sportitude have also become civil parties.
The Nice-OM meeting of August 22, interrupted after the invasion of the field by supporters, had been marked by many incidents and an investigation was opened.
A Nice supporter, author of a kick in the direction of OM playmaker Dimitri Payet, will be judged on September 22. In the meantime, he has been placed under judicial supervision. Five other people will also be judged for disturbing the match.