The tragedy is still fresh in everyone’s memory. In September 2024, on a road in Niort, the local club’s full-back Quentin Gobet died a violent death, struck by a reckless driver with a lengthy criminal record. The driver had gone through a red light, travelling at more than 100 km/h inside the town.

Since then, his father Philippe, along with all those close to him, has been fighting to make sure Quentin is not forgotten. After handing a letter to Gérald Darmanin – in which he called for tougher criminal law – Philippe Gobet has received a reply from the justice minister.

A repeat offender

“You are absolutely right. Our system is seriously dysfunctional, hence the important reforms I am undertaking“, Gérald Darmanin begins, acknowledging the point. “Please accept, on behalf of the ministry, my apologies for what you have been through, and be assured of my most sincere thoughts in the tragedy that has struck you“, he concluded.

“Your proposals are feeding into the work of my ministry so that such a tragedy never happens again“, the justice minister had also written.

As a reminder, the driver, who had six entries on his criminal record (drugs and driving offences) as our colleagues at le Progrès report, was sentenced last July to seven and a half years in prison with no suspended element. He also chose not to appeal.

A former LOU player, later a French Nationale champion with Valence-Romans and then at Niort since 2023, Quentin Gobet left nothing but good memories behind for those who knew him.