Bastien Dechepy
He is one of the youngest referees in Ligue 1, but make no mistake: Bastien Dechepy is a referee who follows his part to the letter. Promoted in 2022, he represents a new generation, methodical and rigorous. For OM, facing him means preparing for a match where every fault will be scrutinized. There is no room for improvisation.
Identity Card — Key Points
Bastien Dechepy, a French referee affiliated with the FFF, entered the elite for the 2022-2023 season. Without a FIFA badge, he focuses on the national championship where he quickly climbed the ranks. His style? Less about interpretation and more about application. He is known for being a "by the book" referee, who strictly adheres to the guidelines. For Marseille supporters, he's a profile to know: with him, the rule is the rule.
What the Marseillais Say
Dechepy's style is starting to be identified by supporters. Discussions about him do not revolve around heated controversies, but rather his very academic approach to refereeing.
The "Professor": This is the nickname that suits him best. Fans describe him as a referee who lets nothing slide. He is very attentive to handball offenses, jersey pulling during corners, and disputes. This rigor is seen by some as a guarantee of justice, but by others as a lack of psychology that can disrupt the game.
Consistency Above All: His main quality, recognized by many, is his consistency. His tolerance level is low, but it is the same for both teams, from start to finish. "At least with him, you know what to expect," is a phrase that sums up the general sentiment. There are no unpleasant surprises, but no leniency either.
OM History with This Referee
Contrary to tales that may have circulated, Bastien Dechepy does not have a long history with OM. His encounters with the club are recent and provide a first sketch of his relationship with the Phocaeans. Here are the facts, just the facts.
| Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Key Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-12-17 | Clermont Foot | Home | W 2-1 | Penalty awarded to OM for a handball. |
| 2023-05-14 | Angers SCO | Home | W 3-1 | Controlled the match authoritatively, without major incident. |
| 2022-09-18 | Stade Rennais | Home | D 1-1 | His debut at the Vélodrome, an intense match where he handed out 5 cards. |
The record is positive at home so far. The match against Clermont is emblematic of his style: he did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot for a handball, strictly applying the directives on this type of offense.
Trends That Matter for OM
Bastien Dechepy is a referee who penalizes. His average of yellow cards in Ligue 1 is high, often above 4 per match. He uses warnings as a tool to impose calm and ensure players do not cross the red line.
For OM, this means one thing: discipline is non-negotiable. Against him, protests are to be avoided, and engagement must be controlled. His refereeing leaves little room for pure physical combat; he favors fluidity, even if it means calling fouls that others might let pass. This is an essential parameter for our midfielders and defenders to integrate.
VAR & High-Pressure Matches
As a young referee, Dechepy relies on VAR in a very procedural manner. He does not hesitate to consult the screen if his assistants recommend it, and he generally follows their advice. The penalty awarded against Clermont is proof of this. He does not try to impose his ego over technology; he uses it as a safety net to apply the rules as fairly as possible.
Having not yet officiated a "Classic" or high-stakes European match, his handling of extreme pressure remains an unknown. However, his early performances at the Vélodrome have shown that he is not one to be intimidated by the atmosphere.
What to Expect in the Next Match
For his next encounter with OM, the game plan is clear. Expect strict, almost clinical refereeing. Bastien Dechepy will not deviate from his course: the rules, the whole rules, nothing but the rules.
For our players, the key will be adaptation. They will need to show maximum concentration, avoid unnecessary gestures, and refrain from "intelligent" fouls that won't pass with him. It's a tactical as well as a physical challenge. If OM shows mastery and technical cleanliness, his refereeing can become an advantage. Otherwise, the evening could be long and yellow.