According to RMC Sport, just one day after Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi was formally indicted on rape charges, PSG fans publicly expressed their support for him. During the Champions League knockout round play-off against Monaco, Paris supporters displayed a massive banner and applauded in solidarity with the vice-captain, who is currently at the center of a media storm.

About 20 minutes into the match, when the stadium announcer read out Hakimi’s name, the Paris crowd erupted. Fans in the Auteuil stand unfurled a striking banner reading, “Achraf, full support.” The entire stadium then broke into cheers for the Moroccan international, with supporters chanting his name and applauding throughout the game.

This scene unfolded against the backdrop of a major development in Hakimi’s legal situation. Just 24 hours earlier (February 24), the court officially ruled that he would be referred to a criminal court for trial. Facing allegations that date back to February 2023 and have spanned three years, Hakimi has consistently denied the accusations. He also responded on social media, stating: “The truth will come out.”

Despite the ongoing controversy off the pitch, PSG head coach Luis Enrique kept Hakimi in the starting lineup. When questioned by the media, Enrique responded briefly: “This is a matter for the justice system.”

Since the case first emerged, Paris Saint-Germain has not issued any official public statement. However, internally, the club has continued to protect the key player under the principle of the presumption of innocence. Senior officials reportedly believe that until a court verdict is delivered, Hakimi remains an indispensable member of the squad.

The case stems from a complaint filed in February 2023, in which a then 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of rape at his residence in Paris. After a lengthy investigation, the investigating judge ultimately ruled that there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. The trial date has not yet been set. According to reports, if convicted, Hakimi could face up to 15 years in prison.