Hakimi backs PSG ultras over French Super Cup venue dispute
Hakimi backed the PSG‑ultras’ boycott of the French Super Cup after Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 defeat to Lens on Sunday, arguing that the Stade Bollaert‑Delelis was far from a neutral venue and that the situation highlighted a deeper dispute over the competition’s setting.
Venue controversy and LFP decisions
Vandaag the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) announced that the French Super Cup would be staged in France rather than abroad, after earlier considering Ivoorkust and Congo‑Brazzaville as possible hosts. A draw then determined which finalist would act as host; Lens drew the right to host, sending the match to Stade Bollaert‑Delelis.
The choice of Stade Bollaert‑Delelis quickly became the focal point of criticism among Parijzenaars. Many argued that a final should be played on neutral ground with an even split of tickets, a principle the Collectif Ultras Paris felt was ignored.
Player and coach reactions
PSG captain Achraf Hakimi voiced his support for the ultras, telling Ligue 1+ that “we did everything we could to win, but there are situations you can’t control, like playing on this non‑neutral field without our supporters.” He added that the lack of a neutral venue was “no excuse” for the loss.
Hakimi slams LFP decision as Lens upset PSG in trophy clash
Hakimi continued, recalling other finals where fans of both clubs share a neutral stadium, and said the atmosphere at Bollaert‑Delelis felt “more like an away game in the league.” He urged the competition’s organisers to reconsider the venue policy, even if the advantage was small.
Coach Luis Enrique stayed away from the venue debate, focusing on his side’s performance. He praised his players for playing “at a higher level than I expected,” creating chances but failing to score, and concluded with congratulations to the opponent.
Lens upset forces PSG to widen Ligue 1 title focus
Enrique’s loss marked only the fourth final he has lost in his career; he has previously won seventeen finals. The only teams that have beaten him in a final are Athletic Bilbao, France, Chelsea and now Lens.