Overview

• Referee Jérôme Brisard briefly stopped play at the 86th minute when a chant from the Popular South stand was judged homophobic.
• The chant, directed at Daech and traditionally voiced during the tribute, prompted the stadium speaker to ask fans to stop before play resumed about two minutes later.
• Brisard later apologized to club president Fabrice Bocquet, saying he had applied instructions without understanding the commemorative context.
• OGC Nice said it will take the issue to the French Football Federation, naming FFF president Philippe Diallo and refereeing chief Anthony Gautier, to prevent a recurrence.
• Nice mayor Christian Estrosi and MP Éric Ciotti criticized the stoppage, while minister Aurore Bergé affirmed referee responsibility and noted there are other ways to pay homage; advocacy groups classify the insult used as homophobic, a position reflected in FIFA guidance.