The disciplinary committee of France’s top football league has confirmed sanctions against OGC Nice following crowd disturbances during their final Ligue 1 fixture against FC Metz (0-0). The penalty means Nice’s playoff return leg against AS Saint-Étienne will be played behind closed doors.

The playoff first leg will take place at Geoffroy-Guichard on Tuesday, May 26 at 8:45 PM. The high-stakes return match at the Allianz Riviera on Friday, May 29 at the same time will proceed without any spectators. The Ligue 1 disciplinary body also imposed a two-match stadium ban for Nice, with one game suspended, affecting their opening home fixture of the next season in either league.

Rivière voices frustration over season’s turmoil

Club president Jean-Pierre Rivière expressed deep disappointment after the incidents, which capped a season he described as “extremely difficult.” Speaking after the goalless draw in Nice, he acknowledged the fans’ passion but stressed the importance of unity during tough times. “As long as there’s hope, you must support the team. We’re in a very difficult moment—it’s undeniable. The season turned out even harder than expected,” he admitted.

“Anger is understandable—everyone has lived through a grueling season. When you return next year, you know it’s going to be tough; survival is the goal. We’ve failed so far, but two matches remain. True supporters stand by their team, even if they can’t be in the stands on May 29,” Rivière added.

Full disciplinary decisions handed down

The LFP’s disciplinary board announced several penalties across Ligue 1. Key sanctions include:

• Suspensions:
  • Benjamin André (LOSC Lille) – one-match suspension
  • Mahdi Camara (Stade Rennais) – one-match suspension
  • Christian Mawissa (AS Monaco) – one-match suspension
  • Elye Wahi (OGC Nice) – one-match suspension
• Pitchside behavior:
  • Following disturbances involving Paris Saint-Germain supporters (use of pyrotechnics and visual displays) during the 33rd matchday, the club’s Auteuil Stand at the Parc des Princes will be closed for one home league game next season.
  • Nice’s supporters, found guilty of pyrotechnics, pitch invasion, and pitch damage after the final whistle against Metz, were handed a two-match stadium closure without spectators and one suspended match.