After ending his professional career, the former defender (33 years old) became a referee. The Stéphanois does not regret this reconversion and aspires to climb the ladder.
After more than 260 matches among the pros, Loris Néry decided to change his jersey in October 2023. Having played through Valenciennes, Nancy and Grenoble, the former defender turned to refereeing by joining the AS Saint section. -Étienne, his training club. At 33, the man who also has six caps with the French Espoirs team and three in U20, is already playing in Regional 1. Following in the footsteps of Gaël Angoula and Jérémy Stinat, Loris Néry does not regret his choice.
“When did you decide to become a referee?
A little over a year ago, Pape Abdou Paye, a former teammate and friend, told me about the “player/referee” bridge. (see box) after meeting Gaël Angoula at a wedding. At the time, I was still looking for a club to continue playing but I didn't want to go anywhere near my family. In the end, I didn't find what I wanted and I passed the FIA (Initial arbitration training) in Pouilly-sous-Charlieu in autumn 2023. I hung in there and when I passed the exam, I only wanted to be out in the field.
When did you referee your first match?
It was October 22, 2023 during a Loire district meeting between La Fouillouse and Toranche. It was fun because I knew a lot of people, especially players of my generation but also the Feuillantin coach. This reassured me and gave me a little more confidence. I was a little stressed about all the pre-match administration but everything went very well, even on the pitch.
Sa fiche
Loris Néry, born February 5, 1991 in Saint-Étienne
Then: right side
End of career: October 2023
Course : AS Saint-Étienne (1999-2012); Valenciennes (2012-2018); AS Nancy Lorraine (2018-Oct. 2020); Grenoble Foot 38 (Oct. 2020-2023)
Statistics: 63 matches in Ligue 1 (1 goals); 170 matches in Ligue 2 (2 goals); 20 matches in the Coupe de France
Selections: 6 with the Hopes of the French Team; 3 with the U20s
When you took the whistle, were you surprised by certain aspects?
During my first training, I told myself that I would know more things than others thanks to my professional career. Eventually, I realized that players don't know all the rules. For example, if the referee stops play in one of the two areas, even if you are attacking, it's the ball down for the opposing goalkeeper. I didn't know and on the ground, I could have moaned (smile). We worry very little about the rules when we are pro.
What was the most difficult when you started?
I was lucky not to stay too much in the district, where you don't have an assistant to signal offsides. It's very difficult to manage everything alone. For me, it is the referees who deserve the most. I played two or three matches at this level then I quickly moved up to Regional. Since then, I've only done R1, it's much simpler to be in a trio. Everything happened very quickly for me. Currently, I am following distance training in order to pass a theoretical exam at the FFF in June which will allow me, if I succeed, to referee in National 3.
I have experienced frustration and I know how a player can react (…) This is why I try to be in the dialogue
What style of referee are you?
I draw a little inspiration from my experience as an ex-pro to referee. I know what I liked and disliked about the referees I met. I have experienced frustration and I know how a player can react. I have always said that a referee is above all a human and that he cannot see everything. This is why I try to be in the dialogue.
What relationship did you have with referees when you were a player?
I wasn't too annoying, I complained more in training (smile). I have only taken two red cards in my career, including one against Lille (September 10, 2011). I didn't think I had made a big mistake but when I saw the footage again, the referee was completely right to send me off.
267
Between 2010 and 2023, he played 267 professional matches for ASSE, Valenciennes, Nancy and Grenoble.
9
The right back has worn the French youth team jersey 9 times: 6 with the Espoirs, 3 with the U20s.
2023
On October 22, 2023, Loris Néry refereed his first match between La Fouillouse and Toranche (Loire District).
Is it also a way of giving back what football has given you?
I think I can bring another approach after having been around the professional world as a player. Some become coaches to share their experience. My approach is a little different but I remain in football and that is interesting.
I spoke to Gaël Angoula on the phone after my first training (…) He shared his experience with me
Were you able to speak with Gaël Angoula and Jérémy Stinat who, after being professional players, are now playing in Ligue 1?
I had Gaël (Angoula) on the phone after my first training. He explained his journey to me, which is similar to mine. He told me what to do to pass the different exams and shared his experience with me.
Loris Néry in the Grenoble Foot 38 jersey in the duel with Stéphanois Mathieu Cafaro in October 2022 during a Ligue 2 match (photo Dave WINTER / FEP / ICON SPORT).
Do you have the ambition, like them, to reach the highest level?
I don't really set any goals for myself even if I would like to at least touch the National. The level is very good and there are great atmospheres in the stadiums. Afterwards, if I can make it to Ligue 1 or Ligue 2, why not.
Do you still play football?
I took a license in leisure football at the L’Étrat-La Tour club (Loire) with my brother, Eymeric. I train every Wednesday. This allows me to find simple values even if I play very little: I am very busy on weekends, between refereeing and my family. »
The “bridge” ex-professional player-referee
Former professional players applying for high-level arbitration must follow the following complete procedure:
- be under 33 years old on January 1 of the season for which the player is applying
- having been a player under professional contract in a first or second division team in France, England, Germany, Spain, Italy or of a level deemed equivalent by the CFA, for at least 5 seasons and not having been in this situation for less than 3 complete seasons as of January 1 of the season for which he is applying (certificate requested from the LFP)
- have completed initial arbitration training
- have held an arbitrator's license for at least one year on the date of submission of the application and have been regularly appointed during this period.
CRAs wishing to present candidates meeting these criteria must communicate to the Federal Arbitration Commission, no later than December 1 of the application season, the administrative file provided for in article 17.1.b) and the elements making it possible to guarantee compliance with the criteria set out above. Beyond this closing date, applications will be inadmissible, the same goes for incomplete files.
Interview carried out by Romain COLANGE of the FFF, taken up by the CDA Loire.
The Departmental Arbitration Commission takes advantage of this interview to wish happy holidays to all those involved in Loire football.
Photo credit: Fred MARVAUX / ICON SPORT – Instagram / Meta
