In the midst of the scandal of sexual violence in skating revealed in recent days, the world of football does not seem completely spared. The president of the Angers football club (Ligue 1), Saïd Chabane, 55, was placed in police custody for aggravated sexual assault by a person abusing his office and harassment, following three complaints from employees and ex-employees , the Angers prosecutor told AFP on Wednesday. “Saïd Chabane was placed in police custody this Wednesday a little before 8:00 am. A preliminary investigation began on January 7 following the complaint of an employee of the club who said that she had been the victim of acts qualifying as sexual assault. Two other alleged victims have lodged a complaint, "Eric Bouillard, public prosecutor of Angers, told AFP, confirming information from RMC radio. The preliminary inquiry was opened for aggravated sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Angers: Saïd Chabane, president of the club, accused of sexual assault https://t.co/T1x7dPZmcB
- RMC Sport (@RMCsport) February 5, 2020"When we started the investigation, we heard from people in the vicinity of the victim and the club, and we identified two other alleged victims who filed a complaint, an employee and an ex-employee," he said. -He specifies. The three complainants, who are between 25 and 30 years old, stated that they were victims of "very strong strokes on the private parts". According to RMC, Mr. Chabane "would stick to these young women, touch their buttocks, breasts, private parts, without their consent and would be feared by young women who accuse him". "He is someone who is deemed to be severe and who is feared, even intimidating," added Mr. Bouillard.
Official press release https://t.co/eQrTNoSDLg
- Angers SCO (@AngersSCO) February 5, 2020The first reported incidents were allegedly committed in 2019 and the last at the end of the year. According to the prosecutor, "it does not seem that this is a behavior that has just started". The SCO of Angers for its part published a press release in which it indicates that "Said Chabane formally disputes all the allegations brought against him". "He will bring to justice all the elements allowing to restore the truth and to preserve his honor. Determined to have his innocence recognized, he is confident in the outcome of the investigation in which he fully cooperates, ”continues the text. Angers, currently 13th in the L1 classification, is due to receive Lille at 8.45pm on Friday at the Raymond Kopa stadium as part of the 24th day of the championship.
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