Nice accuses Alvaro González of provoking the public

The Nice management accused the Spanish defender of Marseille Alvaro González of provoking the fans with a 'comb' in the controversial meeting between the two teams that had to be suspended due to an invasion of the pitch.

“There is an issue that cannot be forgotten, the 'combs' that Alvaro made in the first half. I do not intend to flee from our responsibilities, but, when you know what kind of public you have in front of you, it is irresponsible to stand in front of them and dedicate 'combs' to them during the entire first half, “the football director accused in an interview in 'L'Equipe' from Nice, Julien Fournier.

The manager, however, said “not to justify the launch of bottles” against the Marseille players. One of them impacted Dimitri Payet, who returned it to the public of the Allianz Riviera in Nice and it was then that the invasion of local fans took place in the 75th minute with a 1-0 favorable to Nice.

Marseille refused to resume the match, as decreed by the French League and government authorities, considering that the safety of their players was not guaranteed.

In the same interview, the president of Nice, Jean-Pierre Rivere, spoke, who also criticized the attitude of the Spanish central defender, former Villarreal and Espanyol player, as well as French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi and Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli.

Rivere also denounced physical attacks by the Marseille staff against a Nice fan and against players from that club.

The leader, however, clarified that they assume their responsibility in the launching of objects and announced that they will install a net in the stands to avoid similar incidents.

The French League has summoned both clubs to the meeting of the Disciplinary Commission next Wednesday, August 25, in which he will study the “serious incidents” that have occurred.

At the same time, the French Public Prosecutor's Office ordered an investigation into the invasion. The fans involved risk a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of 45,000 euros.

The episode has shocked France, whose Minister of Sports, Roxana Maracineanu, warned that “a red line has been exceeded” for which there will have to be sanctions. EFE