The Ligue 1 match between Stade Rennais and Olympique Lyonnais was marked by controversial errors of arbitration, including a serious mistake by Anthony Rouault over Khalis Merahen, who was not whistled in the first period. The central arbitrator, Ruddy Buquet, did not sanction this action, and the video referee, Stephanie Frappart, initially ruled that the fault did not deserve a red card. However, the FFF Arbitration Directorate issued a statement contradicting this decision, stating that Rouault’s fault was clearly dangerous and should have resulted in expulsion. Frappart’s sentence, “It’s high but it doesn’t stay, it slides”, has become viral on social networks, causing the fun of Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso.

FFF confirmed Stéphanie Frappart’s error of judgment, pointing out that Rouault’s fault directly impacted Merahen’s ankle and endangered his physical integrity. Video assistance to arbitration was expected for this action, and its non-intervention is strongly criticized. The FFF also justified the expulsion decision concerning Tyler Morton, who committed a dangerous tacle from behind, considering it as gross misconduct. Despite these errors of arbitration, Olympique Lyonnais bowed 3-1 against Rennes, with Anthony Rouault even scoring the goal in the second period.

This defeat exacerbated the frustration of Olympique Lyonnais, who challenged arbitration following several controversial gambling events. The publication of the FFF communiqué confirmed OL’s doubts and fed into the debate on the effectiveness of video assistance in arbitration. The incident also highlighted the role of social networks in the dissemination and virality of referees’ comments, such as that of Stéphanie Frappart. In the end, the day ended in a defeat for Lyon, despite the confirmation of the error of arbitration on Rouault’s unwonted fault.