Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 7y

France Football Federation to hear Metz appeal over firecracker incident

The French Football Federation's Appeals Commission on Thursday will hear Metz's case against the points deduction inflicted on the Ligue 1 club for incidents that nearly left Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes deaf.

The Euro 2016 winner suffered temporary hearing loss when firecrackers thrown by Metz fans exploded near him during his club's Ligue 1 game in early December.

The French Football League (FFF)'s Disciplinary Commission imposed a three-point deduction on Metz with one point suspended, and ordered the game be replayed behind closed doors.

Metz, who are currently just a place and a point above the French top-flight's relegation zone, will make their case in at federation headquarters in Paris, while a delegation from Lyon will also testify during a three-hour hearing.

A verdict is expected within eight to 10 days.

Should the decision go against Metz, who were leading the game 1-0 at the time of the incident, they could still appeal to France's Olympic Committee (CNOSF), though that body could only make a recommendation the FFF would not be obliged to follow.

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