|
Bastia have failed in an appeal after their match against Lyon last month was awarded to their opponents. The game, on April 16 at the Stade Armand-Cesari, was abandoned at half-time after Bastia fans invaded the pitch for a second time to confront Lyon players. Lyon were awarded the points by the French Football League (LFP) while Bastia were ordered to play their remaining home matches behind closed doors, with their fans also barred from travelling to away games. The club appealed to the French Football Federation (FFF). Bastia were relegated at the weekend and the failure of their appeal effectively removes any chance of escaping that fate. A statement on the FFF's official website on Tuesday evening read: "The superior appeal commission of the French Football Federation has today studied the appeals of SC Bastia and Antoine Agostini, service director of SC Bastia. "It has upheld in its entirety the decision taken in the first instance by the disciplinary commission of the (LFP) regarding the dossier of incidents before the match and at half-time which led to the abandonment of the match between SC Bastia and Olympique Lyonnais (April 16, 2017)." Agostini was charged after clashing with Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes during the incident at half-time. A decision in Bastia's favour could have caused chaos for the LFP. Victory in a replayed game would have taken them at least into relegation play-off place, sending Lorient down. With the first leg of that tie to be played on Thursday, it seemed impossible alternative arrangements could be made at this notice -- but Tuesday's verdict ensures no such machinations will be required. Bastia's one remaining course of action would be an appeal to the French Olympic Committee (CNOSF).
|
