It’s 9:23 p.m. As Red Star prepares to concede its first setback (0-2) of the season at home to Dijon on the 30th day of the National, a clamor descends from the Rino Della Negra stand. The atmosphere suddenly warms up. The supporters raise their voices and light some smoke bombs. They have just learned of Martigues’ draw against bottom-placed Cholet (2-2). The Southerners (3rd) can no longer catch up with Red Star, which officially validates its return to Ligue 2, which it left in 2019.
A few minutes later at the referee’s whistle, Red Star fans rushed onto the pitch to congratulate their players and commune with them. The latter, initially disappointed by the defeat, quickly change their mood. Defensive midfielder Ryad Hachem, originally from Seine-Saint-Denis, is carried in triumph. The songs to the glory of Red Star follow one another while waiting for a podium to stand up on the pitch. In the company of his family, doorman Quentin Beunardeau is questioned by a fan. “So are you staying next year or are you leaving?” » “I’m staying, of course,” replies the man who will win the National’s best goalkeeper trophy in a few weeks.
All the players and the Red Star technical staff then head towards the podium. The supporters continue their recital of songs in praise of their favorites. Habib Beye is warmly applauded by the public who ask him to remain the coach of Red Star next year.
He then takes the microphone: “Applaud the players because they have had an extraordinary season! And thank you for everything we are going through. We are very happy to take you to Ligue 2. We would have liked to celebrate it differently with a victory. Last year, we all cried because we were two points short (to move up). This year is the culmination of a lot of work. And I want to say thank you to all my players for what you do every day, you are having a huge season. Congratulations to you ! »
A clapping with the whole audience is improvised. The players then return to the locker room to prolong this moment of joy between them. President Patrice Haddad does a Face Time with Josh Wender, the boss of the American shareholder 777 Partners, who congratulates the team on their accession to L2.
The supporters continue the party in the corridors of the Bauer stadium, open exceptionally until midnight. The music resonates. Before leaving for the capital to celebrate this accession together, the players display their radiant looks like Fred Dembi. “I will remember this evening until the end of my life. I feel a lot of happiness and joy, jubilant the defensive midfielder. We have come a long way. Last year, we were close to going up. I cried in front of my son and told myself never again. We learned to hate defeat to achieve this result. »
At his side, his teammate Ryad Hachem, native of Livry-Gargan in 93, savored this moment of intense happiness. “It’s a huge source of pride in my career,” declared the defensive midfielder, captain this evening for the first time. I grew up here. Accessing L2 with Red Star is magnificent for me. Supporters have a part in our exceptional season. You have to tear yourself away from every match with such an audience behind you. »
In the mixed zone, goalkeeper Quentin Beunardeau celebrates the first promotion of his career. “I am happy but also frustrated because we would have preferred victory. The club has been waiting for this for a long time. There is now a title to seek, says Quentin Beunardeau. We dominated the championship. It’s great to experience this with this club. Supporters have been waiting for the return to L2 for 5 years. We are happy to offer them this joy. »