Football fan dies after beating

2010-03-18 16:50

Paris – A 38-year-old supporter of French side Paris Saint- Germain (PSG) has died three weeks after being severely beaten by members of a rival gang of supporters of the same team, Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux said on Thursday on RTL radio.

The man, identified only as Yann L, had been on a respirator since the night of February 28, when he was attacked by a group of PSG supporters from a rival group.

The daily Le Figaro reported on its website that he had been considered clinically dead since Tuesday.

Four people were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the beating.

Investigators say they have links with the primary suspect in the case, a 28-year-old man who was placed under examination on Saturday on a charge of attempted murder.

PSG's home ground, the Parc des Princes, and the surrounding streets have seen many violent clashes between fan clubs from different suburban neighbourhoods.

Hortefeux said on Thursday that he has already put in place measures to curb hooligan violence in France.

These include the establishment of rapid-intervention police units to secure stadiums and stadium bans of up to 12 months for repeat offenders.

- SAPA