The match between OGC Nice of France and FC Cologne of Germany in the Europa Conference League on September 8, 2022, was delayed after a fight erupted in the stands at Allianz Riviera stadium among the fans.
A Cologne fan was pushed from the stands and fireworks were fired at each other as security officers were forced to intervene.
The kickoff was expected to be at 7:40pm on September 8, 2022, but an additional 55 minutes was added, which made the game start by 8:35pm.
After the chaotic start to the game, the game went on behind schedule. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Steffens Tigges scored in the 21st minute of the first half. Andy Delort scored from the penalty spot to earn a point for the French side.
Early reports showed that 18 people were injured and were immediately attended to.
Cologne captain Jonas Hector spoke to the fans with a microphone to ensure calm before the match. He said ”We really want to play the game with you. We also want that game to take place. But we have to say that we do not like to see this.
“We worked so hard last year and in the playoff. And we would very much like to do this with you and we ask you to keep calm and support us as much as possible.”
A statement from FC Cologne’s Twitter account confirmed the postponement of the game and the club authorities had a meeting with UEFA on security before a resolution was reached.
The club also confirmed after the incident that the match will take place on September 8, 2022, at 8:55 pm, but if there was any reoccurrence of the incident, UEFA was likely to call off the match.
When the game finally kicked off, FC Cologne had more possession but were unlucky. Both teams committed 23 fouls.
OGC Nice fans are well known for their violent acts. The match between OGC Nice and Olympic Marseille on August 22, 2021, was stopped because of the fans’ violence.
The French football federation deducted a point from the two teams involved, and players that were involved in the violent act were given a match ban.
OGC Nice is currently in the 16th position in the Ligue table with four points from six matches. They have been poor and have lacked composure on the ball in most of their games this season.
This team has also failed to win important matches, and the manager Lucie Favre’s job is on the line if there are no changes in the way the team plays.
OGC Nice’s next match will be against Ajaccio in Ligue 1 on September 11, 2022. A win for Nice will move them up the table.
On the other hand, FC Cologne are playing well so far and are currently in the 6th position in the Bundesliga. They will play against Union Berlin on September 11, 2022.
