Nice could play Saint-Étienne play-off behind closed doors, Nantes v Toulouse unlikely to be replayed | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, the LFP disciplinary commission, meeting on Wednesday, could order the Allianz Riviera to be closed for Nice’s play-off second leg against Saint-Étienne on 29 May after Sunday’s serious incidents.

Following a pitch invasion after the 0-0 draw with Metz on matchday 34, Nice have been summoned by the LFP on Wednesday due to the tight calendar. An immediate review increases the risk that the decisive tie will be staged without fans.

Given the gravity of events and the risk of a repeat in a high-stakes match, a full stadium closure is seen as the likeliest outcome. There are fears of another invasion, even before full time, if the score turns against Nice. A partial closure is possible, though it could simply move the most volatile supporters elsewhere.

Club president Jean-Pierre Rivère acknowledged that an empty stadium on 29 May is a real possibility. He regretted how the evening ended and said support should continue until the final whistle, with criticism to follow.

As for Nantes, whose match with Toulouse was halted in the 22nd minute then abandoned after a pitch invasion, an investigation will be opened and the case heard on Wednesday 27 May.

At this stage a replay appears unlikely. The disciplinary body would likely confirm the 0-0 score at abandonment rather than award Toulouse a 3-0 forfeit. Either way, Toulouse would finish ninth, ahead of Lorient. Nantes could face several games behind closed doors, around two, at the start of next season, and a suspended points deduction is not excluded for the beginning of their Ligue 2 campaign.

Source: L'Équipe