OGC Nice, after receiving the report this Tuesday, has appealed the decision of the Professional Football League. The decision includes a new partial closed-door match and a total closed-door match with a suspended sentence. The French Football Federation will review the case this Thursday and will issue a verdict soon after.
“Disproportionate and unfair,” is the reaction from the Nice club following the sanction imposed by the League’s Disciplinary Commission for incidents during Nice vs Bastia on October 18th. The sanction consists of two partial closed-door matches, involving the closure of the Populaire Sud, and a total closed-door match with a suspended sentence, which means any future incident, even minor, will activate it. The first closed-door match was served against Olympique Lyonnais (defeat 3-1 on November 1st), leaving the question of the next one, this Saturday against Reims. For the final decision, we will have to wait for the verdict of the F.F.F. on Thursday.
President Jean-Pierre Rivère is increasingly under pressure, particularly last Saturday at Jérôme Ardissone’s match and even on forums calling for his resignation. This appeal is also aimed at calming tensions. Indeed, some Nice supporters blame him for filing complaints against people who invaded the pitch during Nice vs Bastia. A somewhat logical decision after such incidents, but one that remains a bone of contention with the Brigade Sud. The violence in remarks on the club’s Facebook page and Twitter account does not align with the numerous decisions made by Jean-Pierre Rivère over the months, in favor of the club: new infrastructures, organizing an Employment Forum, opening the Masséna store, multiple player-supporter meetings…
“Silenzio stampa”, radio silence at OGC Nice, which awaits the firm and definitive decision before communicating. The goal is to reduce this sanction and satisfy all components of the club, players, supporters, and management. This Saturday, OGC Nice, currently 12th, hosts Stade de Reims, 10th. With or without the Brigade Sud, the aim will be to get back to winning ways and avoid getting closer to the relegation zone.
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