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Racing fans have seriously got the hump with Lorenzetti following their European quarter-final exit

Flamboyant Racing fans haven't taken kindly to criticism by their club president (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Racing 92 supporters have got the hump with Jacky Lorenzetti after the president criticised the level of support given to the team during last Sunday’s dramatic European exit to French rivals Toulouse. 

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The Parisians were beaten by a point in a classic European Cup quarter-final that took place in front of a 26,092 attendance at the La Défense Arena.

Visiting Toulouse supporters generated a noisy racket in the indoor stadium as their 14-man team fought to hang on to its lead following the first-half red-carding of out-half Zack Holmes. 

Toulouse took the victory by 22-21 and the atmosphere that surrounded it left Lorenzetti calling on the Racing crowd to be “more supportive” of their side in future. 

Speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe on Monday, he said: “Our fans love the club, but it would take a little more madness.”

His comment caused discontent on social media networks, Racing fans expressing their disappointment that they had been negatively described by the club’s owner.

The president of Génération Yves-du-Manoir, the most important supporters’ association, has called on Lorenzetti to retract his remarks, while other fans were more virulent. Several messages denounced a “lack of respect”, when another accused Lorenzetti of “spitting” on his supporters.

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Toulouse’s Sebastien Bezy poses with fans following their Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final win over Racing 92 at La Defense Arena (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Racing have traditionally been a club mocked in France for its limited level of support. Having operated for years out of the run-down 1924 Olympic Stadium at Colombes, the club is now in its second season in its new indoor arena and is trying to grow its average attendance. 

Regular supporters, though, believe Lorenzetti’s post-match criticism is the final straw in their uneasy relationship. A meeting is planned next week between Lorenzetti and a group of supporters to appease these latest tensions.

Last Sunday’s 26,000-plus attendance was considerably higher than what Racing had attracted for their home European pool matches. Their respective attendances versus Ulster, Leicester and Scarlets were 13,168, 16,538 and 14,418. 

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Hellhound 41 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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