Olympique Marseille intends to appeal the Ligue de Football Professionnel's (LFP) decision to give Nice a 3-0 victory in the Ligue 1 game that was called off on Sunday.
When home fans surged onto the pitch after OM's Dimitri Payet reacted to being hit by a bottle projectile launched from the crowd by sending it back, play between Nice and Marseille was delayed at Venue Allianz Riviera with the hosts 1-0 up in the 76th minute.
The situation escalated as Nice fans poured onto the pitch, sparking clashes between fans, officials, and players on both sides. The players eventually exited the playing field.
Along with OM president Pablo Longoria, Marseille head coach Jorge Sampaoli was eloquent in the tunnel, insisting that his players should not return given the scenario.
The match was set to resume, but Marseille refused to return due to safety concerns, thus the LFP decided to call it off, and Nice was awarded a 3-0 victory.
Marseille, according to Amazon, will take steps to get the judgment reversed.
“The league has made the decision to restart play. We have chosen not to resume the match for the protection of our players, who have been attacked,” Longoria stated.
“Something is the second time we've had this happen in Montpellier. We had made the decision that what had occurred today was utterly unacceptable. We need to set an example for the French.
“The referee concurred with our position. He confirmed that his safety was at jeopardy and that he did not want to continue the game.
“However, the LFP wished to restart for reasons of public order. As a result, we have decided not to resume and will return to Marseille this evening.”
