Ruddy Buquet
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Identity Card — To Remember
Ruddy Buquet, born on January 29, 1977, is one of the most experienced referees in the French championship. Affiliated with the French Football Federation, he has officiated in Ligue 1 since 2008 and holds the prestigious FIFA badge, which has allowed him to officiate many matches on the European and international stage, including during Euro 2016. A solid CV that makes him a recognized authority on the field.
What the Marseillais Say
On social networks and forums, the name Ruddy Buquet does not go unnoticed. Far from the controversies related to matches he was falsely attributed to, his reputation is that of a "professorial" style referee. Supporters often describe him as a referee who firmly controls the debates, sometimes perceived as strict. The recurring themes are:
Authority and Management: Many acknowledge his ability to handle high-tension matches. He does not hesitate to issue cards to calm tempers, and his experience allows him not to be overwhelmed. Some appreciate this firmness, while others sometimes find it excessive, disrupting the game's rhythm.
Communication: He is known to be a referee who communicates little and smiles even less. His approach is sober and direct. For supporters, this can be frustrating, giving the impression of an impossible dialogue. For others, it's the mark of a focused and impartial referee.
Consistency: This is the most divisive point. Is he consistent in his decisions? For his defenders, his experience guarantees a coherent application of the rules. For his opponents, some of his decisions, particularly on penalties or borderline fouls, can seem harsh or lack understanding.
OM's History with This Referee
Ruddy Buquet has often crossed paths with OM. Contrary to the erroneous list that was circulating, his real recent history is dense. The record is balanced, but each match has its story. Here is an overview of his most recent encounters with the Olympians, based on verified facts.
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Key Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-05-12 | Ligue 1 | FC Lorient | H | W 3-1 | Controlled match without major controversial decisions. |
| 2024-01-12 | Ligue 1 | Strasbourg | H | D 1-1 | No major decision influencing the score. |
| 2023-08-26 | Ligue 1 | Stade Brestois | H | W 2-0 | Discreet and effective refereeing. |
| 2023-04-23 | Ligue 1 | Olympique Lyonnais | A | W 2-1 | OM's winning goal validated in the last seconds. |
| 2023-01-28 | Ligue 1 | AS Monaco | H | D 1-1 | An intense match with balanced card management. |
| 2022-08-20 | Ligue 1 | FC Nantes | H | W 2-1 | Samuel Gigot sent off (2nd yellow), penalty for OM. |
Trends That Matter for OM
With a career average of about 3.5 yellow cards per match, Ruddy Buquet is statistically less strict than some of his colleagues, yet his experience makes him very pragmatic. He does not hesitate to penalize when the game becomes too physical. For OM, whose game relies on intensity, this is a factor to watch.
The key trend with Buquet is his management of heated moments. He doesn't shy away. The match against Nantes in August 2022 is a good example: he doesn't hesitate to send off a Marseille player for a second yellow or to award a penalty to OM in the same match. He applies the rules to the letter, which can be to our advantage or disadvantage. There's no room for sentimentality.
VAR & Tense Matches
As a seasoned international referee (Euro 2016, Champions League), Ruddy Buquet is well-versed in the VAR tool. He is among those referees who rely on their video assistants to correct clear and obvious errors while maintaining their authority on the field. He does not overuse the technology. His experience in European clashes gives him valuable calmness in Classiques or other Ligue 1 summits. He knows how to manage the pressure from players and the stands, making him a reliable referee for high-tension fixtures.
What to Expect in the Next Match
When Ruddy Buquet is appointed for an OM match, expect no-frills refereeing. He won't be there to make friends but to enforce the laws of the game. Expect a referee who will let the game flow as long as the commitment remains fair but will issue cards decisively when tackles become dangerous or protests too vehement. For our players, the instruction is simple: play with intensity but also with intelligence. Discipline will be key to avoid falling into the trap of a match disrupted by fouls and sanctions. With Buquet, respecting the framework is non-negotiable.