Jérémie Pignard
He is one of the faces of the new generation of French referees who are being exported to Europe. Jérémie Pignard, promoted to FIFA referee in 2021, is increasingly often appointed to prestigious matches. For OM, he represents modern refereeing, where the management of key moments and the use of VAR are scrutinized closely.
Identity Card — To Remember
Jérémie Pignard, a referee from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes league, made his debut in Ligue 1 in 2019. His rapid progress earned him the FIFA badge in 2021, opening doors to European competitions. Since then, he has officiated qualification matches and group stages in the Europa League and Europa Conference League. He is a referee on the rise, whose authority and style are now well recognized at the highest level.
What the Marseillais Say
The international status of Jérémie Pignard influences how fans perceive him. He is judged with the expectation that his rank implies, and his decisions are often commented on with great attention.
The "European": Fans often note his style that leans towards UEFA standards. He lets the game flow, tolerates physical engagement as long as it's not dangerous, and communicates in a sober but clear manner. This approach is often seen as a sign of quality.
The Brest Controversy: His name remains strongly associated with a particular match: Brest-OM (1-1) on April 30, 2023, where he expelled Leonardo Balerdi at the end of the game for an unclear foul, before the VAR overturned it. This episode left its mark and crystallized a certain mistrust towards him among many fans.
OM History with this Referee
The actual history of Jérémie Pignard with OM is quite different from the fiction-filled Classicos. He has crossed paths with the Phocaeans several times, with often tense matches and a rather unfavorable record for the club.
| Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-10-08 | Le Havre | Home | W 3-0 | Logical expulsion of a Le Havre player. |
| 2023-04-30 | AJ Auxerre | Home | W 2-1 | An intense match where he had to manage pressure. |
| 2023-02-05 | OGC Nice | Home | L 1-3 | A clear defeat at the Vélodrome. |
| 2022-08-20 | FC Nantes | Home | W 2-1 | Expulsion of Samuel Gigot (2nd yellow card). |
| 2022-04-20 | FC Nantes | Home | W 3-2 | Two penalties awarded to OM. |
| 2021-12-22 | Stade de Reims | Home | D 1-1 | A draw and closed match. |
This history shows a referee who does not hesitate to make strong decisions at the Vélodrome, whether it's expelling a Marseille player (Gigot) or awarding two penalties in our favor (against Nantes in April 2022).
Trends that Matter for OM
Jérémie Pignard is a referee who ranks in the higher average of Ligue 1 in terms of cards. He does not hesitate to sanction to maintain control of the match. His most notable trend is his severity on anti-game fouls and protests, a standard he also applies on the European stage.
For OM, this means expecting rigorous refereeing. His style may sometimes seem finicky, but it is applied with the same consistency to both teams. Discipline is key to not getting into trouble.
VAR & Matches Under Tension
His European experience has reinforced his mastery of VAR. He works closely with his assistants and knows how to handle moments of uncertainty when a decision is under review. The episode in Brest, where he ultimately reversed a red card after consultation, shows that he is capable of reconsidering, which is a proof of intelligence and humility.
He is increasingly often appointed to tense matches in Ligue 1. His method is based on a mix of dialogue and authority. He knows how to adapt to the context of a match and does not follow a rigid line of conduct, making him a modern and respected referee.
What to Expect in the Next Match
For his upcoming encounter with OM, expect refereeing at an international level. Jérémie Pignard will not be swayed by the atmosphere and will apply the rules with the rigor for which he is known. The match will likely be intense, and each decision will be made with conviction.
For our players, great maturity will be required. Respecting decisions and self-control will be essential. It is against this kind of demanding but fair refereeing that OM must prove it has the level for the biggest occasions.