North Kop closed for three matches, South Kop threatened in turn

The Kop Nord at Geoffroy-Guichard will stay closed for AS Saint-Étienne's next three home matches. The Ligue de Football Professionnel's disciplinary commission has handed down a collective sanction against the Saint-Étienne supporters, depriving some 8,000 spectators of their usual stand.

The stand will not reopen until January 29, for the visit of Dunkerque. In the meantime, Les Verts will play three home games: Laval, a match for which the sanction has already been served, Nancy on December 12 and Boulogne on January 15.

What the Kop Nord is accused of

The closure follows the celebrations held on October 24 for the Kop Nord's 35th anniversary. Huge tifos, smoke flares and fireworks had filled the stands. The League did not take kindly to the displays.

The Magic Fans and the Green Angels step up the displays and the singing to back the team at home. Saint-Étienne has won all six of its home games at Geoffroy-Guichard in Ligue 2.

The Kop Sud in the firing line

During the Laval game, supporters in the Kop Sud unfurled three tifos and lit smoke flares in their stand. Those acts could also come to the disciplinary commission's attention.

The League is usually firm on the use of pyrotechnic devices. The Green Angels therefore risk a sanction in their turn, and the Kop Sud could be closed for at least two games. If that happens, both stands would stay silent until the Dunkerque game in 2027.

What to expect on Wednesday

The decision on the Kop Sud is not yet known. The verdict is due this Wednesday, after the disciplinary commission meets.

Where ASSE stand in the league

After twelve rounds of Ligue 2, ASSE top the table with 28 points, ahead of Nancy (25 points) and Montpellier (24 points). With nine wins in twelve matches, they have the league's best attack. There are 22 rounds left to play.