Several scandals denounced after Lyon

Arbitration controversies are frequent during meetings between Lyon and Nice, and this Sunday's match was no exception to the rule. After the large defeat of the Aiglons (4-1), the Nice leaders strongly criticized the decisions of the arbitrator Bastien Dechépy, in particular on two contentious actions to their disadvantage.

The goal disallowed and the penalty not whistled

From the start of the match, the cancellation of Evann Guessand's goal for Nice sparked controversy. But it is above all the penalty not awarded a few minutes after the restart which triggered the anger of the people of Nice. Trailing 3-1, they felt that Duje ?aleta-Car had made an obvious mistake on Guessand in the area. Despite the use of VAR, “Mr. Dechépy had chosen his side on the disputed actions”lamented coach Franck Haise, believing that“there was no need for VAR” to whistle this obvious fault.

The virulent reactions of Nice leaders

It was sports director Florian Maurice who was the most vindictive, describing the decision as “scandalous” and wondering with irony: “What are we waiting for (for him to whistle)? For him to slit his throat? For him to take him by the neck? He'll even crush his foot.” Maurice is aware that his words will earn him a suspension from the League. Haise, more measured, nevertheless stressed that “the last time I lost my temper against Mr. Dechépy, I took four matches”suggesting that the referee had scores to settle with Nice.

A new blow for Nice

After the cascade of injuries which hits the Nice squad, this arbitration controversy is a new blow for the Gym. Suspensions that could affect the bench would further aggravate the delicate situation of the Riviera club. Despite the crushing defeat, it is Dechépy's refereeing which is the focus of criticism, reviving recurring tensions between Nice and the refereeing body.