According to RMC Sport, Olympique Lyonnais considered sending a strong message to the authorities by boycotting the rearranged match against Olympique Marseille. The fixture will go ahead, albeit without Lyon fans, at the Vélodrome on Wednesday night.
The image of Fabio Grosso’s bloody face travelled the world in the wake of Marseille fans’ attack on Lyon’s team bus back in October. The attack happened en route to the Vélodrome with Grosso requiring stitches after being hit by a projectile thrown by the OM fans. The game was eventually abandoned and rescheduled to take place on 6th December. Whilst Lyon fans won’t be there, Marseille fans will.
Sporting context prevents Lyon boycott
The aftermath of the event has therefore been met with indignation from every level at Lyon. Players, coaches – past and present- executives, the owner, and even former president Jean-Michel Aulas have all expressed indignation at the lack of sanctions, as well as the circumstances in which the rearranged fixture will take place.
According to RMC Sport, the idea of a boycott was even considered. “We really thought about landing a big blow,” a source close to Lyon told the publication. “When we look at the table, we can’t afford to lose on the pitch. If Lyon were higher up the table, in another sporting context, it could have gone differently,” added the source, suggesting that if not for OL’s position at the bottom of the table, the club could have boycotted the rearranged fixture.
The source adds that whilst Lyon have decided to play the match, they have done so reluctantly as “no one really wants to” go to the Vélodrome on Wednesday.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
