The ethics body of the French Football Federation (FFF) has called on supporters to remain neutral as nationwide student protests draw international attention.
Police responses to the largely peaceful marches have sparked widespread allegations of brutality. In the stands, some football fans have expressed support for the students.
Officers have reportedly used tear gas and batons heavily to disperse crowds. As of last week, more than 6,600 people had been arrested across the country — a figure described as unusually high for a protest movement in France.
A police tear-gas grenade shattered the jawbone and damaged multiple teeth of a 14-year-old boy. Another 15-year-old lost a hand in an incident involving a stun grenade. Several other teenagers have suffered life-changing injuries said to have been caused by police weapons during the protests.
At last week's Ligue 1 match between Lens and Lyon, according to the French National Football Ethics Council (CNE), home supporters unfurled a banner calling for an end to "systematic and excessive police violence."
The CNE also said that in the 30th minute of the PSG–Le Mans match, fans displayed a banner reading: "Your militia represses; we the youth resist."
In a statement, the ethics body said it was easy to understand why young supporters, often students, might use matches to publicly express support for the protesters.
However, it stressed that the principle of political neutrality is "enshrined" in sports law, both internationally through the Olympic Charter and FIFA regulations, and at national level.
The CNE reiterated that any political, ideological, religious or trade-union statement or display is prohibited, as is wearing symbols or clothing showing political, philosophical, religious or trade-union affiliation.
"Sport should unite, not divide," the statement said. "The French National Football Ethics Council therefore calls on all supporters, who are an inseparable part of the football family, to respect the principle of neutrality in all circumstances."
"The aim is to ensure that stadiums do not become political or trade-union battlegrounds, but remain places of celebration and shared joy, with sport at their heart."
