Supporters of killed football fan demand 'justice' 04/12/2006 00:00

PARIS, Dec 3, 2006 (AFP) - Hundreds of Paris Saint Germain supporters held a silent march in the capital Sunday protesting the shooting death of a fellow fan by a police officer last month.

"Justice must be done" read the banner the 1,200-strong crowd walked behind as they started out from PSG's stadium, the Parc des Princes. The demonstration dispersed without incident after one hour.

The march followed the November 23 shooting death of a 25-year-old fan of Hapoel Tel Aviv outside the stadium by a 32-year-old black plain-clothed police officer.

Witnesses said the officer had been trying to protect a Paris-based Jewish fan of the Israeli side, who had just beaten PSG in a UEFA Cup tie, when both were attacked by a mob.

Although police and officials were giving credence to the officer's claim of self-defence, the PSG supporters marching Sunday challenged that assertion.

"We're certain it wasn't self-defence and we want that to be recognised," said one who gave his name as David, 26.

Another, Yann, said: "It was murder. There was police provocation towards the supporters. The cops are responsible."

Copyright AFP

Subject: French news