The LFP disciplinary commission will examine on Wednesday the incidents that occurred after the match between OGC Nice and FC Metz. OGC Nice risks a total closed-door match for the return playoff against Saint-Étienne, scheduled for May 29 at the Allianz Riviera.
OGC Nice’s future could be decided in an empty Allianz Riviera stadium. Following the pitch invasion that occurred Sunday evening at the end of the draw against FC Metz (0-0), the disciplinary commission of the Professional Football League will meet this Wednesday to examine the Nice case.
The incidents occurred after the 34th day of Ligue 1. Several supporters entered the pitch at the Allianz Riviera at the final whistle. With a very tight schedule, the LFP must decide quickly before the return playoff between Nice and AS Saint-Étienne, scheduled for May 29.
Given the facts alleged and the risk of further disturbances, a total closed-door match remains under consideration. A partial closed-door match could also be studied, particularly for certain stands considered the most turbulent.
Jean-Pierre Rivère already mentions a possible closed-door match
On Ligue 1+ microphone, Jean-Pierre Rivère acknowledged this possibility following the incidents on Sunday evening. “Perhaps the incidents will lead us to play behind closed doors, we’ll see”, declared the president of OGC Nice.
Jean-Pierre Rivère also reacted to the anger of Nice supporters: “I regret the end, what happened. When we came back with Maurice Cohen, staying up was an objective. I believe that when you support a team, you must do so until the end, after that we’ll have time for all the criticism in the world.”
The Azure leader is now calling for a general mobilization before the upcoming challenges: “the most important thing is to remain in Ligue 1, there are two matches left for that, we’ll need to show a completely different mindset, a different attitude. As long as there is hope, you must support the team.”
Sixteenth in Ligue 1, OGC Nice must now play a home-and-away playoff against Saint-Étienne to secure their place in the top flight on May 26 and 29. Before this double tie, the Azure club will also play the Coupe de France final against RC Lens on Friday, May 22.
Claude Puel refuses to sacrifice this final. The Nice coach believes that a good result can revive the team’s momentum before the playoff. “A final is important. It could be the best way, with a good result, to prepare for the two challenges ahead. So, we’re going to focus on this final.”
The Nice coach wants to quickly get the team “ready for action” before an end to the season that will determine the club’s future in Ligue 1 and possibly even on the European stage in case of a positive outcome Friday evening in the Coupe de France. There is therefore a scenario where a French club could play in Ligue 2 and in Europa League. Another headache in sight for the Gym and the professional football league authorities.
