Nice and Marseille could see their game voided with no points given after mass brawl

Following the events of Marseille’s trip to Nice last month when the game was suspended after 75 minutes as Nice fans invaded the pitch as a mass brawl ensued, Ligue 1’s disciplinary board have another tricky decision to make.

As reported by L‘Équipe, having enforced ground closures on Nice and suspended OM coach Pablo Fernandez for striking a supporter with further punishments impending, the LFP have to decide what to do about the game itself.

It was initially thought the game would be replayed but it is feared this precedent could be abused by clubs refusing to finish games they are in danger of losing, as Marseille were here – 1-0 down with 15 minutes to play. Instead the LFP may decide to “freeze” the match and not have it replayed and not award any points to anyone.

This, however, would likely lead to appeals from both sides with OGC Nice director of football Julien Fournier accepting responsibility for the initial failure of security but not the failure to restart the game.

“For me, the sporting aspect is absolutely clear. The prefectural authorities did not say: “We must resume the match or there will be a disaster.” They said: “We must resume the game because the field is now secured,” said Fournier in L‘Équipe.

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OM meanwhile will be aiming for the awarding of all three points to Jorge Sampaoli’s side following the match’s cancellation.