Explained: Why PSG Received a Two-Game Ban After Marseille Controversy

Paris Saint-Germain have been on the receiving end of a mild punishment after their game against Olympique Marseille in Ligue 1. The Parisiens will have to keep one of their most famous and newest stands closed, the Auteuil Tribune, for the next two games.

This announcement comes as a result of the violations from the Paris Saint-Germain Ultras situated in those stands, during the game against Marseille on Sunday. According to reports, the LFP disciplinary committee has ordered the partial closure of the stand for the next two home games and has also fined PSG an amount of €10,000.

Match officials reported having witnessed more than 100 flares set off by the Ultras, along with the usage of laser points in bulk. The fans also unfurled a large banner, using DPD, which is a parcel delivery outlet in France, as a reference, to portray the Olympique Marseille fraternity as delivery boys. Another banner related them to rats, which is surely not a good act in sporting terms.

The match referee had to halt the match at the 70th minute due to racist chants from the same stands, as the stadium announcer was heard requesting the crowd to refrain from such activities, otherwise the match would stand abandoned.

Although PSG won the match by a humongous scoreline of 5-0, closure of one of the most important stands might impact the atmosphere at the Parc des Princes.

What Next For PSG?

This PSG ban will take effect immediately, starting with the home game against FC Metz in Ligue 1 on Saturday, 21st February, and will extend to the match against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League on Thursday, 25th February.