“Bertrand? Mark? Friend? … ”screams Bruno, 56, in the parking lot of the Montbauron stadium, in Versailles (Yvelines). Before boarding the bus, he calls the roll call. In total, 52 supporters of FC Versailles 78 are traveling with the club association, for a quarter-final of the Coupe de France against Bergerac this Wednesday evening.
The temperature is close to zero and the vast majority came equipped with the team’s down jacket and tracksuit: “26 licensees are present today, the rest are relatives,” says the club leader.
After the group photo with the “Here it’s Versailles” banner, the trip can begin. All seats on the bus are occupied. We need a solution to hang banners and scarves from the windows of the bus. Cheers are heard when scotch is found.
Songs, coffee and predictions
In the back, the youngest take care of putting on the music. Songs by Jul, Ninho and Maes come out of the sound system. They discuss the outcome of the match and all forecast a qualification for FC Versailles 78. “I justified my absence by an exceptional sporting event breathes a high school student.
Marco, 24, admits he was disappointed Versailles fell to Bergerac in the draw. He would have preferred a meeting against Olympique de Marseille. Bruno agrees: “In sporting terms, being eliminated against a National 2 is the worst possible outcome. »
Up front, the oldest talk about their performance on the pitch. They are 12 to play with the team of veterans of which Bruno is a part. For those who take care of the bar during home games, this trip is “like a reward, a holy grail”.
After the coffee break and pastries, it’s time to sing. The seven-hour journey is an opportunity for everyone to think about the encouragement to launch in the stands: “Olala, olélé but what will happen? We are going to quibble them” or “For Versailles hip hip hip! hooray”
“I’m here for the atmosphere”
For those who are not equipped, Bruno distributes the club jerseys. Marco, at the back of the bus, grabs one, flocked with the number 10. Nephew of a club manager, he has made all the trips, in the league and in the Coupe de France. A supporter of the team for six years, he admits: “Football doesn’t interest me that much. I’m here for the atmosphere. »
After the first break, the announcement of which was accompanied by loud cheers, the atmosphere started up again. The megaphones have been taken out of the hold and the supporters are singing louder and louder.
Bruno, who dropped the vest, urges the back of the bus to give voice. One thing is certain, just over two hours from kick-off, they are already all ready for their club’s historic meeting.
