OGC Nice's South Stand Closed After Offensive Banners at Marseille Match

The Ligue de Football Professionnel has imposed a provisional sanction on Nice following racist and homophobic displays by fans, with a final decision expected on February 12.

• The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has temporarily closed the south stand of OGC Nice's Allianz Riviera stadium after fans displayed racist and homophobic banners during a match against Marseille on January 26.
• The banners compared Marseille supporters to 'rats' and were accompanied by chants deemed sexist and homophobic, prompting widespread condemnation from the LFP and Olympique de Marseille.
• An investigation into 'provocation to hatred or violence' has been launched by local police, with the case being handled by the Service Local de Police Judiciaire in Nice.
• OGC Nice President Jean-Pierre Rivère acknowledged the inevitability of sanctions and stated the club opposed the banners, citing their potential to incite hatred and violence.
• The final ruling on potential additional sanctions is set to be announced on February 12, following further review by the LFP's disciplinary commission.

3 Articles

Ouest-France Le Parisien Le Parisien