Lyon Prefect Refers Algerian Fan Chants to Prosecutor

The prefect of the Rhône department, Fabienne Buccio, has filed a legal report with the Republic's Prosecutor of Lyon concerning incidents of incitement to hatred. This action was taken after the official identified videos circulating online that depicted chants by supporters of the Algerian national football team. The videos were recorded during celebrations that took place on Tuesday evening following Algeria's victory over the Congo in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The legal referral, known in French law as an article 40 filing, was triggered by the content of the chants, which reportedly targeted Jewish people and Moroccans. The prefecture moved quickly to address the online content, escalating the matter to judicial authorities for potential investigation into hate speech violations. This development highlights the intersection of sports fandom and social tensions in the region.

Fabienne Buccio, serving as the prefect of the Rhône, has formally alerted judicial authorities regarding content found on the internet. The official submitted an article 40 filing to the Republic's Prosecutor of Lyon. In the French legal system, an article 40 filing is a mandatory procedure for public officials who become aware of crimes or offenses in the course of their duties. This mechanism ensures that potential criminal acts are brought to the attention of the justice system without delay.

The specific offense cited in the filing is incitation to the haine, or incitement to hatred. This charge is applicable when speech or writing encourages discrimination, hostility, or violence against a specific group of people. By initiating this process, the prefect has formally requested that the prosecutor evaluate the evidence and determine if a criminal investigation is warranted regarding the behavior of the identified supporters.

The videos that prompted the legal action were captured during public gatherings that occurred on a Tuesday evening. These gatherings were spontaneous celebrations organized by fans following a significant sporting event. The Algerian national team secured a victory against the Congo in a match part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Following the final whistle, supporters gathered in various locations to celebrate the win. It was in the margins of these festivities that the specific chants were recorded and subsequently shared on social media platforms. The location of these events was Lyon, a major city within the Rhône department where the prefecture is based.

The content of the chants identified by Fabienne Buccio contained specific hostile language directed at two distinct groups. According to the reports, the chants targeted Jewish people and Moroccans. The identification of this content via online videos was the direct catalyst for the prefect's decision to involve the legal system.

The presence of such rhetoric during a celebration of a sporting victory has drawn attention to the potential for social friction. The Rhône prefecture's intervention underscores the administrative stance that hate speech, even when expressed in the context of sports fandom, will be subject to legal scrutiny. The case now rests with the Republic's Prosecutor of Lyon to assess the severity of the content and the intent behind it.

The situation in Lyon illustrates the serious consequences that can arise from online behavior and public speech. Fabienne Buccio's decision to file an article 40 report highlights the legal boundaries regarding incitement to hatred in France. As the Republic's Prosecutor of Lyon reviews the matter, the outcome will determine whether the chants constitute a criminal offense worthy of a full judicial investigation.

This event serves as a reminder that public celebrations are not exempt from legal standards, particularly when they involve rhetoric targeting specific communities. The response from the Rhône administration signals a zero-tolerance approach to hate speech, regardless of the celebratory context in which it occurs.