Fans of FC Lorient say they feel “insulted” that AFC Bournemouth’s American Owner has acquired a minority stake of the French club.
The Merlus Ultras 1995 group have written a letter to their president expressing their concerns . The Lorient fan group start their open letter by talking about how they view their club as a family and are proud of their rich history and traditions.
“FC Lorient has boasted for years of being a family club, with a strong identity and a philosophy of its own. So why introduce an American who knows nothing of our history?”
Lorient are currently enjoying one of their best seasons in recent history with the club sitting in 7th place in Ligue 1. They feel as though they are an after thought after Bill Foley’s attempted takeover of Lyon.
The Ultras feel as though their “extraordinary coach” Regis Le Bris and “full stadium” are being used as selling points.
The fans of the French club are against the multi-club model and fear becoming a feeder club for AFC Bournemouth.
“AFC Bournemouth ‘welcoming us to the family’ couldn’t be more insulting… FC Lorient is not a branch of any group, it is our city’s football club”
With one of the club’s star players set to join the Cherries the fan’s voice their concerns: “The probable departure of Dango Ouattara only reinforces our fear.”
The group end their open letter with a strong message: “Bill Foley will never be welcome here!”
[LETTRE OUVERTE – 18 JANVIER 2023] pic.twitter.com/SR5qLfuNG7
— Merlus Ultras 1995 – Kop Sud FC Lorient 1926 (@KopSudFCL1926) January 18, 2023
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