Serious Incident at the Derby: A Stéphanois Arrested for Attempted Violence Against an Arbitrator

Saint-Étienne - The tension was at its peak Sunday night during the derby between AS Saint-Étienne and Olympique Lyonnais, and the consequences of this confrontation are felt. The individual arrested after throwing a coin on the assistant referee, Mehdi Rahmouni, turns out to be a 28-year-old Stéphanois, placed in police custody for “violence in a sports arena”. He faces up to three years in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros.

Unlike first information, it is not an ultra, the individual having been spotted in the stands. The AS Saint-Étienne immediately filed a complaint against him. The question remains whether the act was actually targeted at the assistant arbitrator or whether, as some observers suggested, it aimed at the Brazilian side Abner Vinicius, who made a touch next to him.

Epic Victory for ASSE

Despite the dramatic circumstances, the victory of AS Saint-Étienne (2-1) against Olympique Lyonnais was welcomed with great joy by the green supporters. Five years had not put the Greens on the roof of their city. Coach Eirik Horneland pointed out that his team had largely deserved this victory, despite the difficulties faced by a reinvigorated Lyon in the second period. “It was an emotional game in an incredible atmosphere,” said Horneland. “It was very important for us to win the derby in a difficult period of the season. "

Reactions and Discounts

Olympique Lyonnais, on the other hand, reacted with a grimace, if not more, after this difficult week. The controversial decision of the third official, François Letexier, not to punish Lucas Stassin on a fault deemed dangerous against Correntin Tolisso was also questioned. Letexier then acknowledged that both interpretations of the decision were valid.

The assistant referee, Mehdi Rahmouni, expressed his dissatisfaction with the interruption of the meeting, about 45 minutes, due to this incident. “I don’t like it when we have to stop dating. It was very unpleasant. We must be able to play without interruption and all actors must feel safe on the ground. This is unacceptable,” he said. Horneland kicked in, stressing the importance of victory to build the team’s confidence and approach the next meetings with more confidence.