On centres of 3-blocks of the Ree groups \(^2G_2(q)\) (Q2411398)

Let \(G={^2}G_2(q)\) be the simple Ree group with \(q=3^{2n+1}\) for a positive integer \(n\). The main result of the paper under review is that the center of the principal block \(Z(kGe_0)\), where \(k\) is an algebraically closed field of characteristic 3, is not isomorphic to the center of the Brauer corresponding block \(Z(kN_G(P))\), where \(P\) is a Sylow 3-subgroup of \(G\). The proof shows that the two centers have different Loewy lengths. As a corollary it follows that there is no perfect isometry, and hence no derived equivalence, between \(kGe_0\) and \(kN_G(P)\). The paper is inspired by earlier work of \textit{G. Cliff} [ibid. 226, No. 1, 74--90 (2000; Zbl 0953.20003)] and provides another counterexample to a conjecture of \textit{M. Broué} [C. R. Acad. Sci., Paris, Sér. I 307, No. 1, 13--18 (1988; Zbl 0642.20007)] which was a predecessor of his abelian defect group conjecture.