The disciplinary committee of the Professional Football League (LFP) announced on Wednesday its decisions concerning several incidents that occurred last weekend in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. The sanctions notably affect Olympique de Marseille, RC Lens, as well as several clubs and players in the second division.
In Ligue1, Angers SCO central defender Jordan Lefort was sent off during the match against Stade Brestois, which ended in a heavy 1–5 defeat. The commission ruled that he should be suspended for one match, which prevents him from participating in Angers' next match against Olympique de Marseille, scheduled for this Sunday at 3 p.m. In addition to this individual suspension, OM were penalized for the use of smoke bombs by their supporters during the Clasico against Paris Saint-Germain, where the Phocéens won 2–1. The LFP has decided to close the North Stand of the Vélodrome for two matches, thus depriving the club of the presence of certain supporters during its next home matches.
RC Lens did not escape disciplinary measures. Lens defender Matthieu Udol was sent off during his team's 2–1 victory against Olympique Lyonnais. He will be suspended for one match, which will make him unavailable for the trip from Lens to Troyes, scheduled for this Saturday at 8:45 p.m. The decision underlines the seriousness of the violent behavior observed on the pitch and the need to maintain order in the stadiums.
In Ligue2, several sanctions were also imposed. Albin Demouchy of EA Guingamp, Kouroufia Kebe of AS Nancy-Lorraine, and Julien Maggiotti of Stade Lavallois MFC all received firm suspensions. The technical staff of Pau FC, in particular assistant coach Ousmane Kante, was sanctioned for inappropriate behavior. In addition, the grounds police have imposed fines and partial closures of stands on clubs such as FC Metz and Paris FC for the use of pyrotechnic devices and offensive expressions.
These decisions serve as a reminder of the importance of discipline and safety in professional football. The clubs concerned will have to prepare to play without certain key players and to welcome their supporters under stricter conditions. The next days of the championship will therefore be marked by these suspensions and closures of stands, which could influence the performances and results of the teams on the field.