Last Sunday, the derby between AS Saint-Étienne and Olympique Lyonnais was marked by an unfortunate incident: a Stéphanois supporter threw a coin in the direction of the referees, reaching one of them. The perpetrator of this act was quickly identified through surveillance cameras and placed in police custody. He will be tried on 13 October for “violences resulting in a total incapacity for work of less than eight days, aggravated by three circumstances during a sporting event” and “jet of projectiles presenting a danger to the safety of persons in a sports arena”. While waiting for his judgment, he is forbidden from the stadium.

The affected arbitrator decided to file a complaint, as did the LFP (Professional Football League) and the FFF (French Football Federation). Both clubs could also join this action. If AS Saint-Étienne won the three points on the field, the club could be heavily punished for this incident: partial or total in camera, or even withdrawal of points.

Moreover, arbitration was once again at the heart of the debates in this game. At the 28th minute, the number 8 rhodanian Corentin Tolisso was pulled out on stretcher following a sole of Lucas Stassin on his ankle. The French referee François Letexier had first taken the decision to give a red card to the young Belgian attacker, before correcting himself with the help of the VAR to finally give only a yellow card. The technical management of the arbitration confirmed Monday night Mr. Letexier’s error on this fact of play. However, Lucas Stassin, finally on the field and author of the second goal (67th), upset the scenario of the game. OL announced that it would file an appeal against the decision of the referee of the meeting.

Finally, according to Le Progrès, Pierre Sage and his staff have still not received their severance benefits from John Textor, despite their dismissal last January. Some external providers have also not been settled. OL could continue to drag the situation on while waiting for a significant cash back…