Ligue 1 playoffs: Nice faces Saint-Etienne in empty stadium clash

After months of tense battles on the pitch, the OGC Nice must now confront another challenge away from the field. The Ligue 1 disciplinary committee has handed down its verdict regarding the chaotic scenes at Allianz Riviera during the final matchday against Metz (0-0). The Aiglons will face AS Saint-Etienne in a high-stakes relegation playoff at an empty stadium on May 29 at 8:45 PM.

The sanction is severe: two full matches behind closed doors at home for Nice, with one suspended. The first leg is scheduled for May 26 at Geoffroy-Guichard. This decision comes in response to the pitch invasion by Nice’s ultras following the goalless draw, coupled with the use of pyrotechnics and stadium damage at full-time.

Rivère laments a “very complicated” season

Jean-Pierre Rivère, who resumed his role as president mid-season, expressed his frustration after the incidents. “I regret how things ended. As long as there’s hope, you have to support the team,” he stated. “We’re in a tough moment—this season has been far more difficult than expected. We knew it would be hard, but not this hard.”

Despite the turmoil, Rivère emphasized the importance of unwavering support. “When you commit to a team, you follow through to the end,” he added. However, the players will have to navigate this decisive playoff without the usual roar of their fans in Nice.

Key disciplinary decisions from the LFP

The Ligue 1 disciplinary committee also addressed other incidents across the league:

• Suspensions: Five players received match bans, including Nice’s Elye Wahi, whose suspension takes effect from May 26. Others include Lille’s Benjamin André, Rennes’ Mahdi Camara, Monaco’s Christian Mawissa, and PSG’s unidentified player (linked to the 33rd matchday incidents).
• PSG’s fan-related penalties: The club was fined for supporter misconduct during the 33rd matchday (pyrotechnics and visual expressions), resulting in a one-match closure of the Auteuil stand at Parc des Princes. This sanction applies to their first home game of the 2026/27 season.
• Nice’s penalties: Beyond the closed-door matches, Nice faces an additional suspended sanction, pending future incidents.

The Aiglons now face a make-or-break scenario in the playoffs, where every detail—on and off the pitch—will matter. The absence of their fans adds another layer of pressure as they fight to retain their top-flight status.