Marc Bollenger
He is not the type to seek the spotlight, but his rise is indeed real. Marc Bollengier, one of the new faces of refereeing in Ligue 1, has established himself through his seriousness and discretion. Having long been the 4th official in major matches, he knows the pressure of the elite. For OM, he represents a calm style of refereeing, where professionalism takes precedence over spectacle.
Identity Card — to remember
Marc Bollengier officially joined the ranks of Ligue 1 referees during the 2022-2023 season. Originally from the Hauts-de-France league, he patiently climbed all the ranks before reaching the elite. Without a FIFA badge, he built a solid reputation at the national level. Before being in the center of the field, he was often designated as the 4th referee in major clashes, including "Classicos," learning his craft in the shadows of the greats.
What the Marseillais say
Marc Bollengier's name is not one that ignites debates, and that's often a good sign. Fans who have followed his early performances with OM describe him as a serious and dedicated referee.
Self-Control: It's his primary quality. He is universally recognized for his Olympian calm. He never lets himself be overwhelmed by events or public pressure. His communication is minimal but effective, and he rarely engages in confrontation with players.
A "Clean" Refereeing: Fans note that he seeks to apply the rules fairly and balancedly. He is not known for controversial decisions or bizarre interpretations. His goal is to deliver a sober performance and let the teams express themselves within the respect of the rules.
OM History with this Referee
The real history of Marc Bollengier with OM is very recent and quite different from the tales that might have been written. He has crossed paths with the Phocaeans a few times, with a perfect record so far.
| Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Memorable Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-02-09 | FC Metz | Home | D 1-1 | Logical expulsion of a Marseille player in the first half. |
| 2023-10-21 | OGC Nice | Away | L 0-1 | A tense match managed calmly, despite the derby stakes. |
| 2023-04-09 | FC Lorient | Away | D 0-0 | His first match with OM, an uneventful encounter. |
The record is without victory for now, but it is mainly marked by matches where he was able to assert authority when necessary, such as during the quick expulsion against Metz, a tough but fair decision that conditioned the rest of the match.
Trends that matter for OM
Marc Bollengier is a referee who sits in the Ligue 1 average in terms of statistics. He is neither distinguished by excess leniency nor excessive severity. His main trend is consistency. His tolerance threshold for fouls is clear from the start of the match and he sticks to it.
For OM, this means there are no traps. The refereeing will be predictable and fair. He will not favor excessive physical play, but neither will he penalize it systematically. It's refereeing that rewards the most disciplined and best-organized team.
VAR & high-tension matches
His experience as a 4th referee has given him an in-depth knowledge of the VAR protocol. He works closely with his video assistants and trusts the technology to correct factual errors. He is not the type to override a clear recommendation from the control room.
His handling of the derby against Nice was a good test of his ability to manage tension. He managed to keep the match under control without having to hand out a barrage of cards, using dialogue and intelligent positioning. It's the hallmark of a referee who understands the game.
What to expect for the next match
For his next assignment with OM, expect a professional and straightforward performance. Marc Bollengier will not be the main actor of the evening. He will be a discreet but firm regulator, applying the rules with calm and consistency.
For our players, the key will be to focus solely on the game. There is no point in trying to unnerve him or contest his decisions. The best way to approach a match with him is to demonstrate discipline and respect. It's in such a context that our team's talent can best express itself.