LE CHAUDRON NE SE DISSOUT PAS!
Green Angels and Magic Fans Facing Dissolution Threats: Context, Facts, and Stakes
If you’re into football, you know Saint-Étienne for its legendary “Chaudron”. Recently, an unprecedented confrontation erupted between French authorities and two of the club’s iconic Ultras groups. The Green Angels and the Magic Fans – both historic kops of ASSE – faced administrative dissolution, a radical measure rarely used in French football. This article traces the tensions between authorities and supporters, breaks down the incidents blamed on both groups, outlines the timeline of the dissolution threats (and the political and Ultras’ reactions), explains the final decision not to dissolve the groups, and analyzes the potential impact on supporter culture in Sainté and across France.
Dissolution: What Does It Mean?
In France, tensions between Ultras and the state are long-standing. On one side, the authorities claim to ensure public order and safety during matches. On the other side, supporters defend a passionate culture of chants, pyroshows, and massive away trips.
In recent years, tensions have escalated with a string of incidents (pitch invasions, fights, projectiles) leading to tighter security. The state’s reputation for managing large-scale events is already disastrous – remember the Champions League final fiasco where random fans were tear-gassed. We, too, have been victims of abusive repression, like during the Marseille vs Lyon game that never happened, when we were tear-gassed (a practice the French state has been condemned for).
Mismanagement and misconduct by certain groups have worsened the climate. In early 2025, the Ministry of the Interior launched dissolution procedures targeting several Ultras groups. Officially, these associations are accused of being “responsible for some of the most serious and violent incidents” in French football.
Initially, three groups were targeted: the Magic Fans and Green Angels (AS Saint-Étienne) and Légion X (Paris FC). At the same time, the ministry mentioned reviewing other groups, including from Lyon, Paris, and Marseille. This move is part of a broader crackdown on Ultras across the country.
The Incidents Attributed to Green Angels and Magic Fans
The dissolution procedures against the Saint-Étienne groups are based on a series of violent events. The Interior Ministry’s accusations include:
- Green Angels – The group is linked to around ten “serious violent acts.” The most notable incident happened in May 2022 after a promotion/relegation playoff against Auxerre (1–1): part of the crowd stormed the pitch at Geoffroy-Guichard, causing major damage and clashing with police. Twenty officers were injured. Six Green Angels were later sentenced to suspended prison terms and stadium bans. Other incidents during away trips and local derbies are also on file.
- Magic Fans – Founded in 1991, this group is linked to 13 cases of serious violence between 2020 and 2024.
Authorities claim that both groups house a hardcore element responsible for recurring unrest around ASSE. According to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, these groups are to blame for some of the worst stadium violence in recent years. Hence the rare and radical decision to initiate their outright dissolution.
Dissolution Threats: Timeline, Politics, and Ultras' Response
The threat of dissolving Sainté’s main Ultras groups became real in early March 2025. Bruno Retailleau announced the launch of dissolution procedures against the Green Angels and Magic Fans as part of a national crackdown on stadium violence. This unprecedented move triggered a wave of reactions.
Unsurprisingly, the groups fought back. On March 8, they released a joint statement titled “The Cauldron Cannot Be Dissolved!” They denounced an arbitrary and counterproductive move: “These dissolutions will have disastrous consequences for our stands and will not improve security or crowd control,” they warned, adding that this would erase the work of passionate volunteers who dedicate themselves to the club.
The Ultras believe the measure is political, not pragmatic: “Wouldn’t it be smarter to dissolve groups that openly embrace hooliganism rather than structured, organized ones with known, respected leaders?” they asked. The statement closed with a strong emotional message: “Our two groups are the foundation of our fortress. Defending them means defending what makes us proud to walk into the Cauldron.”
The resistance quickly spread beyond Saint-Étienne. On March 19, the National Supporters Association (ANS) rallied nationwide support. 129 supporter groups from across France – from Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and even amateur clubs – signed a historic statement of solidarity. “We stand firmly with the Magic Fans, Green Angels, and the Brigade Loire of Nantes, all three facing dissolution,” they declared. They warned that this isn’t just about three groups – it’s an attack on all Ultras: “You’re not attacking three associations. You’re attacking us all.”
Supporters also highlighted the counterproductive nature of dissolutions: “You’ll leave room for isolated, radicalized individuals who are much harder to control,” drawing from past examples. This rare united front showed just how serious the threat was: the Saint-Étienne case is seen as a direct assault on the Ultra movement in France.
Back in Sainté, the reaction was massive. On Saturday, March 29, during a Coupe de France match against PSG, thousands took to the streets. We were there. Between 2,500 and 5,000 marched from Place Jean-Jaurès to Geoffroy-Guichard under the banner: “The Cauldron Cannot Be Dissolved.” Pyro, flags, and chants accompanied the peaceful but determined march.
Notably, ASSE’s leadership joined the protest at the stadium. President Ivan Gazidis, Loïc Perrin, staff, and academy players stood beside the Ultras. On the South Kop’s steps, Gazidis made it clear: “This unjust process won’t solve anything. Together, let’s defend the Cauldron. It cannot be dissolved.” Never before had a French club president publicly opposed the Interior Ministry this openly.
This unity – club + supporters + local legends – shows the cultural importance of Sainté’s stands.
Despite the growing pushback, Retailleau initially held firm. He insisted the violence was serious and deserved harsh penalties. On March 26, Magic Fans and Green Angels’ leaders were summoned to the National Commission for the Prevention of Violence in Sport. Behind the scenes, however, pressure on the ministry mounted. Even some typically hardline politicians voiced doubts. Gil Avérous, former Sports Minister and current mayor of Châteauroux, backed the Ultras. Others feared that dissolving these groups would worsen the situation. The April 1 commission hearing became a crucial moment for a potential compromise.
Dissolution Avoided: The Reprieve and Its Terms
On April 1, 2025, both groups were heard in Paris. That same day, the decision came down: the groups would not be dissolved for now. Bruno Retailleau said he would “not yet ask the Prime Minister” to dissolve them – meaning the process is on hold. Multiple sources confirm the commission did not favor a hard dissolution.
Several reasons pushed the government to step back. The massive mobilization and clear unity among ASSE’s community had weight. The club also committed to a concrete plan to manage crowds better and prevent violence, pledging close cooperation with authorities. Retailleau welcomed this and said both ministries would meet with ASSE to assess these guarantees. In return, the state is granting a conditional reprieve.
In practice, the dissolution is suspended – but on probation. Any serious incident could reignite the process. The ministry emphasized that this reprieve comes “in light of the serious allegations” but that it’s now up to the club to “restore calm.”
This leniency wasn’t extended to all. Retailleau confirmed he would recommend dissolving Légion X (Paris FC), accused of a November 2024 knife attack that injured four, including two severely. The commission backed this dissolution, giving the government a show of force while avoiding conflict with Sainté.
What This Means for Sainté and French Ultra Culture
For the Green Angels and Magic Fans, this reprieve is a partial victory. They can continue organizing, but under strict scrutiny. They’ll have to avoid headlines. ASSE, meanwhile, has committed to balancing security and dialogue – a risky tightrope.
Culturally, the crisis strengthened the Sainté community. The slogan “The Cauldron Cannot Be Dissolved” became a rallying cry. Expect future matches at Geoffroy-Guichard to be even more intense – a celebration of passion that proves it can be channeled responsibly.
Nationally, this sets a major precedent. Ultras across clubs united despite rivalries. The reaction of 129 supporter groups, and solidarity tifos from Dortmund to Split, showed a shared will to protect the culture. The ANS also gained visibility and credibility.
Politically, the state discovered the limits of repression. Dissolving well-known, loyal groups could’ve backfired. By backing down, Retailleau avoided escalating an already tense situation.
That said, the state won’t back off entirely. The Légion X case shows that outright dissolution is still a real threat. Less structured or supported groups remain vulnerable. The Brigade Loire in Nantes is still under threat, as are some Ultras in Lyon and Paris. The fear factor is here to stay.
But is dissolution really effective? Many say no. As journalist Jérôme Latta puts it: “Dissolution rarely reduces violence. It just fragments groups and makes them harder to control.” The ANS echoed that, warning of a rise in radicalized lone wolves. Known leaders might vanish, replaced by unpredictable new factions.
In the end, the Sainté stand-off led to cautious de-escalation. The Magic Fans and Green Angels survive – but remain under surveillance. The state avoided a direct clash while keeping the threat alive. The episode highlighted the fine balance between public safety and freedom of association in football. It also reminded everyone that Ultras are not just troublemakers – they are a core part of the football ecosystem, capable of mobilizing entire cities behind them.
One thing’s certain: LE CHAUDRON NE SE DISSOUT PAS.
GHCOMPANY
Sources: L’Équipe, Le Monde, So Foot, HuffPost, RMC Sport, TF1 Info, Le Progrès, official supporter group statements.