OGC Nice’s playoff return against Saint-Étienne will be played behind closed doors on May 29 at 8:45 PM. The LFP disciplinary committee has handed down the penalties following the chaotic scenes at Allianz Riviera during the final Ligue 1 fixture against Metz (0-0) on May 17. The Nice ultras breached the pitch, triggering severe sanctions: two closed-door matches at Allianz Riviera, including one with immediate effect, plus a suspended match. The playoff first leg will take place at Geoffroy-Guichard on May 26.

Rivère: “When you support a team, you follow through to the end”

Nice’s penalty means their first home game of the new season—whether in Ligue 1 or Ligue 2—will also be played without fans. “I regret the outcome and what happened. As long as there’s hope, you have to support the team. We’re going through a very difficult time—we must admit it. This season has been far tougher than anticipated,” lamented Jean-Pierre Rivère, who returned as club president mid-season, following the incidents.

“Anger is understandable—everyone’s endured a grueling season. We knew going in it would be tough, with survival as the goal. We’ve failed so far, but we still have two games left. When you support a team, you follow through to the end,” Rivère emphasized. The Aiglons’ faithful will now have to cheer from outside the stadium on May 29 as they fight to retain their Ligue 1 status.

LFP disciplinary committee rulings:

SUSPENSIONS

LIGUE 1 MCDONALD’S

A mandatory one-match suspension following a fifth booking (Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions) or suspension revocation. Sanctions take effect from May 26, 2026.

Benjamin ANDRE (LOSC Lille)

Mahdi CAMARA (Stade Rennais FC)

Christian MAWISSA (AS Monaco)

Elye WAHI (OGC Nice)

GROUND POLICING

LIGUE 1 MCDONALD’S

Matchday 33: Paris Saint-Germain vs Stade Brestois 29 (May 10, 2026)
PSG supporters’ behavior: Fireworks and visual disturbances reported.

One-match closure of Auteuil Stand at Parc des Princes. Applies to the first home Ligue 1 match of the 2026/27 season.

Matchday 34: OGC Nice vs FC Metz (May 17, 2026)
Nice supporters’ behavior: Fireworks, pitch invasion, and stadium damage at full-time.

Two closed-door matches and one suspended match at Allianz Riviera, effective immediately.