Lille’s Lucas Chevalier criticised for excessive celebrations in Derby du Nord triumph | OneFootball

A derby day victory always means a lot, especially when you’ve come through the academy set-up at the club. The way in which Lille OSC obtained the win over RC Lens in Saturday evening’s Derby du Nord only heightened that sense of emotion.

That emotion was difficult to contain for Lucas Chevalier (22). Jonathan David’s penalty saw LOSC take the lead in second-half injury-time at the Stade Bollaert. In the wake of that goal, Chevalier celebrated by teasing the home crowd.

With Lens pushing to level late on, spaces were exploited by Les Dogues who doubled their advantage with almost the last kick of the game through Mohamed Bayo. The referee’s decision to appoint the late penalty was a big point of contention post-match, but as was Chevalier’s celebration, which was not appreciated by many, even some of those within Lille’s set-up.

The France youth international’s actions weren’t excused by manager Bruno Genesio. “I know some people have made some remarks to him. I think he is still a young player. He is from Lille. He perhaps felt the most emotion in this derby but he has to learn too. He is an extraordinary lad, not the kind to be disrespectful. It can happen,” said Genesio post-match.

LOSC president Olivier Létang added, “We told him that you have to remain measured.” Will Still, who recorded his first defeat as Lens manager, was also critical. “I find it a shame on his part. He didn’t have to do it, but that is part of the emotions of football,” he said.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle