Éric Roy, TV analyst praised for rigour, criticised after 2022 Coupe de France final reaction | OneFootball

Éric Roy died on Wednesday aged 58, having built a long career as a television pundit across French broadcasters. Praised for his rigour, he also drew heavy criticism for his reaction to a key call in the 2022 Coupe de France final.

He began in 2004 with TPS, commentating the Premier League alongside Thierry Roland, then moved to Direct 8 for UEFA Cup matches and the 2009 Trophée des champions. In 2012 he joined beIN Sports after leaving his role as Nice manager, focusing on Ligue 1 and the Europa League, according to L'Équipe.

In 2019 he switched to France Télévisions to cover the Coupe de France. During the 2022 showpiece, Nantes beat Nice 1-0 and he vehemently questioned Stéphanie Frappart’s penalty award to Nantes for a Nice handball, which he felt was marginal.

Given his roots as a former Nice player, sporting director and coach, some suspected bias. He later maintained he would have said the same had the decision been reversed, and said his issue was with the handball law and what he considered a harsh penalty.

He also worked for RMC Sport on the Premier League and European competitions. He did not commentate the following final, and returned to management with Stade Brestois in January 2023.

Source: L'Équipe