Homophobic chants against ASSE: Lyon condemned to €20,000 by UEFA

Olympique Lyonnais has been sanctioned by UEFA following homophobic chants from some of its supporters during the home match against Crystal Palace on October 3 in the Europa League. The Rhône-based club has been fined €20,000 and faces a partial closure of the Virage Nord at Groupama Stadium, with the latter penalty suspended and applicable only in European competitions.

The incidents occurred in the 42nd minute of this second matchday of the league phase, when Lyon led 1-0 against the English side. According to UEFA’s report, homophobic chants were sung in the Virage Nord, directed at AS Saint-Étienne — the number 42 referring to the department number of Loire, the stronghold of the rival from Saint-Étienne.

The European body qualified these behaviors as “discriminatory,” terminology that automatically triggers a disciplinary procedure. The partial closure of the stand with a suspended sentence constitutes a formal warning: in case of recurrence in European competition, the sanction would become immediately enforceable.

This matter comes in a sporting context that was otherwise favorable for Lyon, which had won 3-2 against the Eagles in a match marked by the reunion with Pierre Sage, the former Lyon manager now in charge of Crystal Palace. The victory on the pitch will therefore not be enough to erase an evening tarnished by the excesses of part of the crowd.