By Le Figaro with AFP
Published now, Updated now
Red Star supporters invade the Bauer stadium pitch on Friday evening. Screenshot
The Parisian team coached by Habib Beye validated its ticket for Ligue 2 on Friday despite the defeat against Dijon (0-2), in front of a jubilant Bauer stadium.
Smoke bombs, pitch invasion, chants… Red Star supporters loudly celebrated their team’s rise to Ligue 2 on Friday despite Red Star’s defeat (2-0) against Dijon.
As soon as the final whistle was heard, the public took over the pitch at the Bauer Stadium. “We’re in Ligue 2!”, chanted at the top of their lungs the thousand supporters on the pitch, joined by the players and staff. Hugs and tears enlivened the end of the evening.
“I can’t even explain my joy”confides Jennifer, her eyes red, green and white scarf around her neck. “The coach and the team were extraordinary. We believed in this rise”assures the 37-year-old supporter, accompanied by her husband and two children.
A stage was set up on the lawn where the players sang, danced and above all greeted their audience.
“A big thank-you”declared Habib Beye who was lifted up by his men. “We would have liked to celebrate with a victory”recognized the 46-year-old coach, who took the reins of the club two and a half years ago without having validated his diploma.
The party was slightly disturbed by this defeat against Dijon (2-0) but the Red Star remains solid leader of National (18 victories, 8 draws, 4 defeats) after the 30th day and is ten points ahead of Niort, 2nd, who faces Sochaux on Monday.
The draw of Martigues, 3rd, (2-2) against Cholet, allowed Etoile Rouge to ensure its promotion.
Fireworks, beers
“It is happiness”summarizes Paul Antoine, 32 years old, who “take pleasure” matches he attended «95%».
He has already known his club in L2 but this time Red Star will play “at home”. Bauer Stadium is currently being renovated and can now host professional league matches.
In the past, due to a lack of approved ground, the club was tossed between Beauvais (Oise) and the Jean Bouin stadium in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.
The only downside to communion is that the Ultras have not digested the takeover of the club by the American investment fund 777 Partners. A huge banner was displayed on the Rino Della Negra stand with the inscription «777 Out».
They whistled and demanded the resignation of Patrice Haddad, president of the club and former shareholder.
For Habib Beye, “the objective of Ligue 2” is reached, “the title remains to be sought”declared the coach at a press conference.
The former Strasbourg and OM defender, also a consultant for Canal+, announced that he would make a decision on his future before the match against Versailles on May 3, during the 32nd day.
Requested by OL in September, he demanded guarantees of development within the club to continue the adventure.
In the meantime, the party continues until the end of the night in the streets and harbors of Saint-Ouen (Seine-Saint-Denis) where fireworks and beers mingle with the festivities.
