Ligue 1 match halted over homophobic chants: 'Unacceptable'

Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash between Nice and Paris FC ended in controversy as the game was temporarily halted due to homophobic chants coming from sections of the home crowd at the Allianz Riviera.

The incident occurred in the 83rd minute, with Nice leading 1-0 at the time, and once again brought attention to the persistent problem of discriminatory behavior in French football stadiums.

Referee Bastien Dechepy stopped the game after being alerted to the chants, and the stadium announcer issued a stern warning, stating that the match would be abandoned if the behavior continued. The intervention was part of Ligue 1’s protocol to combat discrimination, following a series of similar incidents in recent seasons that have drawn criticism both domestically and internationally.

During the interruption, Nice captain Jonathan Clauss, a France international, took the initiative to address the supporters directly. He walked over to the stand in question and attempted to calm the situation, reminding the fans of the importance of respect and fair play. Clauss’s actions highlighted the growing responsibility placed on players not only as athletes but also as leaders and role models in tackling unacceptable behavior in football.

When play eventually resumed, the momentum of the game had shifted. Just minutes later, Nice conceded a penalty when Paris FC pushed forward aggressively. Jean-Phillipe Krasso stepped up and converted the spot kick in the 88th minute, earning the visitors a valuable point and silencing the home crowd for reasons beyond the chants. The equalizer was a bitter pill for Nice to swallow, as they had been in control for much of the game before the late drama.

After the final whistle, Clauss was outspoken in his criticism of the chants. “I tried to pass on the announcer’s message. It doesn’t bother me at all to do that. There are things that are not acceptable in a football stadium, nor in everyday life. We are very happy to have the fans here every weekend, but these messages are unacceptable,” said the 33-year-old defender, who joined Nice in the summer to bring experience and leadership to the squad. His words carried weight, as the issue of homophobia in football continues to spark heated debate in France.

French football authorities, along with the Ministry of Sports, have been increasing efforts to curb discriminatory chants and behavior. In recent years, several Ligue 1 matches have been paused for similar reasons, underlining that despite campaigns and sanctions, such incidents remain a problem. Organizations that fight against homophobia in sport have repeatedly urged clubs and the league to adopt tougher sanctions, including point deductions or stadium closures, to deter repeat offenses.

For Nice, the result leaves them in 12th place in Ligue 1 with seven points, level with newly promoted Paris FC, who sit just ahead in 11th on goal difference. Portuguese winger Tiago Gouveia, on loan from Benfica, was in the squad but did not feature on the night. While the point keeps Nice away from the relegation zone for now, the performance and the behavior of their fans overshadowed the sporting aspect of the match.

For Paris FC, the draw represents a significant result, as they continue to adjust to life in the top flight. The late equalizer showed resilience and determination from a team that many expected to struggle this season. For Nice, however, the incident has once again placed the club under scrutiny, not for their football, but for the actions of a section of their fanbase.

The episode serves as a reminder of the challenges Ligue 1 still faces in creating a safe and inclusive environment inside stadiums. With increasing international attention on French football, particularly as Paris prepares to host the Olympic Games next year, incidents like these add pressure on clubs and authorities to step up their efforts to eradicate discriminatory behavior once and for all.