Jerôme Brisard
His name is forever engraved in the history of the "Classiques." Jérôme Brisard, international referee, is the man who officiated the most explosive match between OM and PSG, ending in a flurry of red cards. For Marseille supporters, he symbolizes a historic victory at the Parc and referee under very high tension.
Identity Card — Key Points
Jérôme Brisard, born in 1986, is a leading referee in France. Promoted to Ligue 1 in 2017, he quickly earned his FIFA badge, opening the doors to UEFA competitions. Notably, he officiated the 2022 French Cup final and is regularly assigned to Europa League matches. His style is characterized by strong authority and the ability to handle the most volatile situations.
What the Marseille Fans Say
For OM supporters, Jérôme Brisard is inseparable from the "Classique" of September 2020. Discussions about him almost exclusively revolve around his management of that legendary match.
The Hero of the "1-0": For many, he is the referee who stood firm against Parisian pressure during the historic 1-0 victory at the Parc. His decision to send off several players, including Neymar, after the end-of-match brawl is often praised as an act of courage and impartiality.
Managing the Chaos: Fans acknowledge his ability not to lose control in a situation that would have overwhelmed many referees. He applied the rules to the letter, sanctioning all violent behaviors, which reinforced his image as a fair and rigorous referee.
OM's History with this Referee
The actual history of Jérôme Brisard with OM is quite different from the fictions filled with defeats. He has officiated the club on several occasions, with the most memorable match of recent years being a highlight.
| Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-03-12 | Strasbourg | Home | D 2-2 | Logical expulsion of Balerdi in the first half. |
| 2022-04-03 | AS Saint-Étienne | Away | W 4-2 | A spectacular and offensive match. |
| 2021-08-22 | OGC Nice | Away | Match abandoned | Match interrupted due to serious incidents in the stands. |
| 2020-09-13 | Paris Saint-Germain | Away | W 1-0 | 5 red cards handed out after a general brawl. |
| 2020-02-02 | Bordeaux | Away | D 0-0 | A closed and goalless draw. |
This actual history places him at the center of OM's most intense and crazy moments, from the match abandoned in Nice to the historic victory at the Parc. He is clearly a referee designated for complex situations.
Trends Important for OM
Jérôme Brisard is a referee who is not afraid to take responsibility. His tendency is not so much the number of cards but their importance. He can calmly lead a match, but he will not hesitate to show the red cards if the situation escalates, as proven in the "Classique" of 2020.
For OM, this means being ready for a battle, but within the rules. His officiating is not a hindrance to commitment, but an insurmountable barrier against violence and unsportsmanlike conduct. He is one of the few referees to have expelled multiple players in a single match, which speaks to his character.
VAR & High-Tension Matches
His international experience and appointment to the French Cup final attest to his mastery of VAR. In the "Classique" of 2020, he used the video to identify the protagonists of the brawl and distribute appropriate sanctions. He uses technology as a tool to uphold justice on the field.
By definition, he is a referee of high-tension matches. Whether it's an explosive "Classique" or a match abandoned due to incidents, he has proven his ability to manage crises with composure. He is respected for this by the authorities, even if his decisions inevitably create debates.
What to Expect in the Next Match
When Jérôme Brisard is on the whistle, anything can happen. One can expect strong officiating, where the man in black will not hide. The match will likely be intense, and the referee will be ready to face all eventualities.
For our players, it's a call to responsibility. They will need to be warriors, but intelligent warriors. The slightest behavioral mistake will be penalized. But if OM channels its energy in the right way, then history has shown that an achievement is possible with this strong-willed referee.