With Paris Saint-Germain celebrating its 50th anniversary, plenty of people affiliated with the club are circling the media rounds. Former capital club president, Robin Leproux, spoke with Le Parisien about a dark time in PSG’s history, Plan Leproux.
For those who need a refresher, 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of this plan, which was Les Parisiens answer to getting rid of their two sets of Kop at the Parc des Prince. There was the Boulogne, a typically right-wing section of the fanbase, and Virage Auteuil, home to the more politically left-leaning fans.
Despite cheering for the same club, both ultras would rival each other, which led to violent confrontations. The result of this led to the banishment of the ultras. However, Leproux states in the interview with the French media outlet, that he didn’t kick anyone out.
“They say I fired people from the Parc. I haven’t kicked anyone out of the Parc, first of all, because I don’t have the right. I simply said that I was marketing for five months, until December, the places randomly. I admit that I annoyed everyone. I want to apologize to the supporters who have nothing to do with all of this, but I did not see another way to save the club. The PSG was infrequent. Every time he moved, cities were under siege,” Leproux said.
“Those who did not return to the Parc are those who did not want to return. I didn’t fire anyone. I make a difference between the ultras and the violent ultras. Me, I have been confronted with ultra-violent from both sides. When there is no violence, the ultras are essential to the life of PSG. Without this plan, Qatar would not have bought the club. My plan made his arrival possible.”
Once the Plan Leproux would cease to exist, it allowed for the ultras to slowly come back and eventually form the Collectif Ultra Paris. There’s a piece that Copa 90 did on this matter if anyone is interested.
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