UEFA fines Lyon €20,000 and orders a suspended stand closure over homophobic chants

UEFA delivered its verdict on Thursday: a €20,000 fine for Olympique Lyonnais and a partial closure of the Groupama Stadium for their next home European match. The charge concerns homophobic chants aimed at AS Saint-Étienne, sung during the 3-2 win over Crystal Palace on 15 October in the Europa League.

A stand closed, but suspended

The disciplinary chamber applied article 14(2) of its rule book, “racist and/or discriminatory behaviour (homophobic chants)”. Sectors 002, 003 and 004 of the North Stand must stay shut for Lyon’s next home match in UEFA competition, but the closure is suspended for a two-year probationary period. It will only apply if similar incidents happen again before October 2028. The club had not reacted publicly by Thursday evening.

The chants rang out in the 42nd minute: the 42 stands for the Loire department number, Saint-Étienne’s home department, RMC Sport reports. Headlines differ between outlets: L’Équipe calls the chants “anti-Stéphanois”, RMC Sport and So Foot “homophobic”. UEFA’s decision records a single charge.

The Groupama stays open on 26 November

Lyon’s next European home game is scheduled for 26 November against Norway’s Lillestrøm SK, according to RMC Sport. It will be played with every sector open, unless a repeat offence comes first. On Thursday evening, Lyon play at Hoffenheim.

The sanction works mainly as a warning: €20,000, and a suspended closure that switches on at the first similar incident within two years. The probationary period holds the club answerable for its next stands, not only for those of 15 October.