Thomas Léonard’s spray line not planned as standard in Ligue 1 | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Ligue 1 referee Thomas Léonard drew a spray line to hold players back during a VAR check in Nice’s 1-1 draw with Lens, an effective one-off that Amaury Delerue says is not intended to become standard practice.

In the 81st minute, Nice equalised through Ali Abdi from a Sofiane Diop free-kick, though the decision was under review. Nice were battling to stay up and had trailed 0-1, while second-placed Lens were hoping to close on PSG. As he consulted VAR, Léonard sprayed a white line to keep both teams at distance, and they stayed behind it until the goal was confirmed.

Delerue, the manager-instructor of Ligue 1 referees, described it as an individual response in a high-pressure match, not a directive from the refereeing department or IFAB, and not designed to endure. The aim was to ease player pressure while the referee consulted colleagues.

He set it against the rule, in place for two years, that only captains may address the referee, with others liable for a booking. That protocol, he added, should not be replaced by ad hoc measures. Captains can seek explanations in a calm setting, but not contest decisions.

He noted statistics point to gradual progress, with more yellow cards shown for dissent, though emphasis can vary during a season. Instructions will be reiterated at the next Clairefontaine camp on Tuesday. Referees must caution any non-captain who confronts them, to ensure coherence and uniformity.

Source: L'Équipe