Sarkozy vows to banish French ´thugs´

French president Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday vowed to force “thugs” out of France’s stadiums after Paris Saint-Germain fans clashed amongst themselves following their 3-0 weekend defeat by Marseille.

“I’ve been going to PSG for a good while, and for a good while longer than the thugs who make an unfortunate scene in the stands,” he told reporters during a trip to Marignane on France’s southern coast.

“These thugs, you shouldn’t call them supporters, are thugs and believe me, with the Minister of the Interior (Brice Hortefeux) we will make sure these thugs leave our stadiums.

“It’s better that the stands of a stadium are empty than full of people like that.”

PSG’s 3-0 league loss at home to fierce rivals Marseille on Sunday was marred by violent scenes both inside and outside their Parc des Princes ground.

Marseille fans boycotted the game in protest at stringent security measures but the PSG supporters fought amongst themselves after the match, leaving one man seriously injured following an attack by a rival fan group.

“I’m really sorry that Marseille’s supporters weren’t able to come to Paris,” Sarkozy continued.

The French Professional League (LFP) on Wednesday punished PSG by ordering them to play their home league game with Boulogne on March 28 behind closed doors, while the club announced on Tuesday that they will no longer sell tickets for away games to their fans.

“I completely support the PSG directors who have decided to no longer sell tickets to these thugs and who have decided not to appeal when they are made to play matches behind closed doors,” Sarkozy added.

“I find it really sad that we have arrived at this unacceptable position where supporters cannot come with their families to support their team. I’m embarrassed for these people who behave like that.”