Tempers flared long after Lille’s 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in late August, and Olivier Létang’s furious response to the late equaliser has now brought a €20,000 disciplinary fine for the Lille president.
Olivier Létang fined after Lille’s PSG draw
Létang had faced the possibility of a suspension of up to nine months after repeatedly criticising referee Eric Wattelier following the match at Lille. PSG levelled during a period of stoppage time which Létang believed had been extended excessively.
The Lille president initially confronted the issue in the stadium corridors after the final whistle. In his report, Wattelier said Létang had called the situation “scandalous” and complained that “it is always the same”.
The dispute did not end at the ground. The national ethics body referred Létang to the disciplinary commission over a series of messages and emails sent after the fixture.
Emails included threat not to play under Wattelier
At 22:53 on 28 August, Létang sent a message to the national refereeing director which read: “I warned you. This is shameful.”
At 03:08 the following morning, he sent another email to the same official, copying senior figures at the French Football Federation and Ligue de Football Professionnel. Létang criticised what he described as a lack of care and judgement in referee appointments.
He also warned Lille would no longer accept Wattelier as an official for one of their games, adding that the club reserved the right not to attend or stage a match should the referee be appointed again. He said Lille would explain such a decision publicly.
A further email, sent at 12:23 on 29 August, asked who would “pay” and “put things right” after the incident. Létang again insisted that Wattelier would never be accepted as referee for a Lille match.
Fine imposed, suspended ban for Sylvain Armand
French disciplinary regulations classify as intimidation any words, actions or conduct capable of causing fear or apprehension. Despite the potential for a lengthy ban, Létang has received a €20,000 fine.
Sylvain Armand, Lille’s coordinator, was also sanctioned for his conduct during the same match. He received a one-match suspension, suspended.
SEO Title: Lille president Olivier Létang fined €20,000 after referee dispute
SEO Description: Lille president Olivier Létang has been fined €20,000 after his criticism and emails targeting referee Eric Wattelier following Lille’s 2-2 draw with PSG.
