News Focus
- OGC Nice must host their relegation play-off return leg without fans after LFP ruling
- The stadium ban follows a pitch invasion and crowd trouble during their final league match
- The French club has confirmed they will appeal the decision ahead of Friday’s fixture
- Nice face AS Saint-Étienne in a two-legged battle to avoid dropping to Ligue 2
French football authorities have ordered OGC Nice to play their decisive relegation play-off return leg against AS Saint-Étienne behind closed doors. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) issued the ruling on Wednesday following ugly scenes at the Allianz Riviera last weekend.
The punishment comes after supporters invaded the pitch following a goalless draw with FC Metz on Sunday. Officials also cited the use of flares and damage caused by home fans during the disorder. The ban covers two matches, though one remains suspended.
Nice only managed a stalemate against Metz on the final day of the campaign. Results elsewhere did not favour the club. This forced them into a two-legged play-off against Saint-Étienne to secure their top-flight status for next season.
The first leg takes place at Saint-Étienne’s ground this Tuesday. The return fixture was due to be played at Nice’s home on Friday evening. However, no spectators will now be allowed inside the stadium for that crucial second match.
Club officials have already confirmed they will challenge the LFP’s decision through the appeals process. They hope to overturn the ban before the decisive kick-off on Friday.