Mariama Hamani
OGC Nice handed two empty-stadium matches after Allianz Riviera chaos
The disciplinary board has imposed two full stadium closures and one suspended closure on Allianz Riviera following incidents during Nice’s final Ligue 1 match against Metz. OGC Nice will appeal the decision, which means their crucial promotion playoff return against Saint-Étienne on May 29 will take place behind closed doors.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel’s disciplinary committee handed down the sanctions for «pyrotechnic devices, pitch invasions, and stadium damage at full-time» during the May 18 match that concluded the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season.
Despite the appeal, OGC Nice must play the return leg of their promotion playoff against AS Saint-Étienne without spectators. The first leg at Geoffroy-Guichard on May 26 will already see Nice missing striker Elye Wahi due to suspension. The club is fighting to overturn the sanctions to allow fans to attend the high-stakes match.
Paris Saint-Germain faced similar consequences, with the closure of the Parc des Princes’ Auteuil stand for «pyrotechnic use and visible expressions» during their upcoming first home Ligue 1 fixture of the 2026-27 season.
Benjamin Andre (Lille), Mahdi Camara (Stade Rennais FC), Christian Mawissa (AS Monaco), Elye Wahi (OGC Nice).
FC Nantes’ case, involving a pitch invasion during their early-season match against Toulouse, remains under review and will be decided in due course.
Boureima Amadou
