Football / File. France – Algeria 2001, the match of shame has left its mark

Hopes were high in the light of this event. A « match of reconciliation » between France and Algeria. Two countries intimately linked by their history interweaving, over the last decades, colonization and immigration. On October 6, 2001, football was to be the symbol of this appeasement of the war of Franco-Algerian memories. But, failing to be the scene of a tribute, the Stade de France was that of a mirage. As if the evils of the past had come to the surface.

Against the world champions 98, Algeria is led 4 goals to 1 when in the 76th minute of play everything slips. Hundreds of supporters invade the lawn. Some are draped with the flag of Algeria, …