Lyon fans protested against the local restaurant of late chef Paul Bocuse losing one of its three Michelin stars during the Coupe de le Ligue win against Lille on Tuesday.
As of 2017, L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges was one of only 27 establishments in France to receive a three-star rating, but its 55-year long run was recently brought to an end, sparking controversy in the world of French cuisine and beyond.
Bocuse, who died aged 91 in January 2018, first saw his restaurant awarded three Michelin stars in 1965 and that run continued until this year — a world record.
Despite Bocuse’s death, L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges is still maintained by three French chefs and Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, as well as the fans, have added their voice to the calls to see the third star reinstated.
Le message de soutien des Bad Gones @PaulBocuse qui a perdu une étoile au Guide Michelin @lequipe pic.twitter.com/pMLOC6y2je
— Bilel Ghazi (@BilelGhazi) January 21, 2020
“Mr Paul,” wrote the OL supporters via a tifo display during their Coupe de la Ligue semifinal win over Lille on penalties. “Nobody will remove a single one of your stars. From the heart of the Lyon people.”
Aulas had taken to Twitter last week to protest against the decision and pointed out that Bocuse has traditionally provided the club with their meals for European competition.
“I associate myself with OL to loudly affirm our unconditional support for the formidable institution that Paul Bocuse has become,” Aulas said on Twitter.
“More than 100 official European Cup meals unanimously appreciated, as the next one will be against Juventus in February. #ILikePaulBocuse.”