PSG Ultras Display Banner of 'Total Support' for Achraf Hakimi Amid Rape Trial Announcement
This week, it was confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial over an allegation of rape, sparking a show of solidarity from a section of the club's fanbase. A group of PSG ultras unfurled a banner declaring their 'total support' for the Moroccan international, who has been accused of raping a woman at his home in Paris in 2023.
Hakimi's Response and Legal Proceedings
Hakimi, aged 24 and captain of the Morocco national team, has vehemently denied the allegation. In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, he expressed his frustration, stating, 'Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything proves that it is false.' He added that he awaits the trial calmly, hoping for the truth to emerge publicly.
His lawyer reinforced this stance, noting that a trial has been ordered and they await it with determination for justice to be served. The public prosecutor's office in Nanterre, a suburb of western Paris, initiated a preliminary investigation in March 2023, leading to the upcoming court proceedings.
Fan Support During Champions League Match
The banner was displayed before PSG's Champions League knockout round play-off tie against Monaco on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes. It read, 'Achraf, total support,' as part of the Collectif Ultras' demonstration. Hakimi played the full match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, securing PSG's qualification to the round of 16 after a 3-2 aggregate victory.
PSG manager Luis Enrique addressed the matter briefly in a pre-match press conference, saying, 'This matter is in the hands of the authorities,' indicating the club's stance of deferring to legal processes.
Allegations and Legal Context
The woman involved alleges that she met Hakimi via Instagram in January 2023 and went to his home in a taxi arranged by the player. She claims that Hakimi kissed her, touched her without consent, and then raped her. According to her account, she managed to push him away and contacted a friend for assistance.
Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, stated that the woman was relieved the case is proceeding to court. Pardo highlighted ongoing challenges, remarking, 'There are still areas where the #MeToo movement has not yet breached the sound barrier, chiefly in men's football.'
Hakimi, who joined PSG in 2021 from Real Madrid, continues to play for the team as they lead Ligue 1. The club's next match is against Le Harve on Saturday, as they aim to extend their position at the top of the French league.
