Lyon appeal Saint-Etienne defeat over fan violence and VAR controversy

Lyon challenge derby result as disciplinary probe begins into referee assault and hostile banners.

Lyon players stand in smoke from Saint-Étienne flares before the French Ligue 1 match between AS Saint-Étienne and Olympique Lyonnais at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Étienne, central France, on April 20, 2025. Photo by Jean-Philippe Ksiazek/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Olympique Lyonnais have formally appealed the result of their recent derby defeat to Saint-Etienne, citing serious concerns over fan misconduct, VAR errors, and the safety of their players. The Ligue 1 club submitted the appeal to the competitions organisation committee (COC) of the French football league (LFP), according to sources close to the club, following an incident-filled encounter that has triggered widespread criticism of matchday protocols and refereeing decisions.

The appeal centers on Lyon’s 2-1 loss at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard last Sunday, which was marred by nearly 45 minutes of disruption after a coin struck an assistant referee. The LFP’s disciplinary committee has since launched an investigation into the events, with a verdict expected in early May. Meanwhile, Lyon’s officials are calling for the match result to be withheld pending the outcome of the probe.

While club insiders admit that the likelihood of a replay is slim, Lyon hopes the move will shine a spotlight on what they perceive as systemic failures in officiating and match security. “The goal is not simply to contest the scoreline,” said a source familiar with the matter. “It is to raise awareness within the refereeing body and the LFP about the conditions that endangered our players and influenced the result.”

Safety and officiating under fire

Lyon’s appeal is multifaceted. Foremost among their concerns is the prolonged delay that occurred after an object thrown from the stands struck an official during the first half. Although play resumed after a crisis meeting involving both clubs and match authorities, Lyon maintains that their players’ safety was compromised and that they expressed as much during the emergency talks.

In their official complaint to the COC, Lyon emphasized that during this meeting, they had argued that the atmosphere was too volatile to continue. “We made it clear our players were not safe,” one source said. “But the game went on regardless, and that in itself raises questions.”

Adding to the controversy, Lyon also alleged that projectiles were thrown at their players during the pre-match warm-up. These claims were later echoed by the club’s technical director, Matthieu Louis-Jean, who criticized the hostile environment and accused the home crowd of creating unsafe conditions.

VAR controversy and disciplinary inconsistencies

Another major aspect of Lyon’s grievance involves the match-winning performance of Saint-Etienne striker Lucas Stassin. The Belgian forward scored twice, including the decisive goal, but had earlier been shown a straight red card for a high tackle on Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso, who had to be stretchered off the field.

To the surprise of many, the red card was downgraded to a yellow following a VAR review. Stassin remained on the pitch and later netted the winner. Lyon has denounced the VAR reversal, arguing that it not only undermined the severity of the tackle but also materially changed the outcome of the game.

France’s refereeing body has since admitted an error in that decision, stating publicly that the red card “should not have been overruled.” This rare admission has further fueled Lyon’s insistence that the match was unfairly tilted by officiating failures.

“Death to Lyon” banners and pre-match warnings

The tension surrounding the derby extended beyond the pitch. According to Lyon, both the LFP and local law enforcement had issued pre-match warnings that the game would not proceed if offensive banners — including any calling for violence — were displayed in the stands. Despite this, Lyon claims that banners reading “death to Lyon” were visible during the match, adding another layer of concern regarding the failure to enforce pre-agreed safety standards.

“These banners are not just provocative; they are incitements to violence,” said a source close to the club. “The fact they were tolerated calls into question the integrity of the matchday protocols.”

Champions League hopes hang in the balance

Lyon’s decision to appeal the derby result comes at a crucial time in their season. With just four Ligue 1 matches remaining, the club is still in the hunt for a Champions League qualification spot. Every point is vital, and the loss to Saint-Etienne has dealt a blow to their hopes of securing a top-three finish.

Club insiders say the appeal is also aimed at ensuring fairness in the final stretch of the campaign. “We are not naïve about the chances of getting a replay,” said one source. “But we want to make sure that the remaining games are officiated and managed with the seriousness they deserve. This situation should never happen again.”

The disciplinary committee’s findings — expected in early May — will be closely watched, not just by Lyon, but by other clubs and fans concerned about the state of officiating and match security in French football.

A broader debate on Ligue 1 standards

The fallout from the Saint-Etienne vs Lyon clash has reignited a broader debate over the standards of officiating and crowd control in Ligue 1. In recent years, French football has seen a troubling rise in fan violence and pitch invasions, prompting the LFP to implement stricter security measures. But Sunday’s derby has raised questions about the consistency and enforcement of those rules.

Lyon’s appeal may not change the result of the match, but it could influence how the league handles similar incidents in the future. Calls for transparency, improved VAR protocols, and stricter stadium monitoring are growing louder.

“The integrity of the competition is at stake,” said one senior figure in French football, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “When a match is marred by violence, officiating errors, and hostile fan behavior, the league has a responsibility to act decisively.”

For now, Lyon must turn their focus back to the pitch, where a strong finish to the season could still secure European football. But the scars from Saint-Etienne — both physical and emotional — remain fresh.

Whether or not the COC or disciplinary committee will grant any redress remains to be seen. But Lyon’s stand, even if symbolic, sends a clear message: the events of last Sunday cannot be forgotten or repeated.