OM–PSG: Marseille enforces the rules, PSG and the LFP forced to yield

No “threats,” just plain Marseillais common sense

Since Sunday, some have tried to make people believe that OM had “threatened” the League in order to get the postponement of the Classique this Monday evening. The reality is much simpler: Marseille merely reminded the LFP of its own regulations, article 548, which stipulates that when a match is canceled due to bad weather, it must be replayed the very next day (except in extreme cases). Period.

Faced with this crystal-clear rule, Paris and the League wanted to improvise. PSG, fixated on the Ballon d’Or ceremony and its nine nominees, pushed to avoid having an OM–PSG at the same time as the Parisian event. The LFP, true to its old habits, was trying to arrange the schedule at the expense of sporting fairness. But OM refused to bow, and that was exactly the right choice.

When Paris prefers glitter to Ligue 1

That PSG would rather have the red carpet at the Châtelet than the passion of the Vélodrome is nothing new. Proposing to play on Tuesday (three days before a trip to Strasbourg and ahead of the Champions League), or worse, at 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. on a Monday afternoon, was an insult to the fans and to the fixture itself.

Paris wanted to turn the biggest match in France into just a scheduling variable so as not to overshadow its Ballon d’Or showcase. Marseille, on the other hand, defended football, the stands, and sporting fairness.

A League once again ridiculous

The LFP dared to let slip that OM had “threatened them with legal action.” As if demanding the application of the rules equated to a threat! The truth is, the League once again made itself look ridiculous by trying to fudge things to protect Parisian interests. And it took OM banging its fist on the table to remind everyone that a rule is meant to be enforced.

Along the way, the League tried a clumsy PR move by pointing out that Marseille had recently asked for a postponement for Lens–OM (after a Champions League match in Lisbon). As if protecting one’s players and fans were a crime! Above all, it shows that OM is now hitting back blow for blow against an LFP that, for far too long, has bent to PSG’s whims.

The first victory goes to Marseille

Result: the Classique will indeed be played this Monday at 8 p.m. Not Tuesday, not in the afternoon, not in December. OM defended its club, its fans, and the spirit of the league. And once again, Paris, more concerned with its image than with the pitch, was forced to back down.

Before the match even kicks off, OM is already leading 1–0.