Saturday, 29th June, 2013
Monaco have announced they are considering launching an appeal against an LFP decision to impose a three-point penalty on them for events that marred last season’s game against Le Mans.
The principality club will start next season’s Ligue 1 campaign two points down, with one point given on a suspended basis, after their supporters had started a pitch invasion during their last home game on 17th May.
With flares lit and a referee attacked by one of the supporters, the LFP have come down hard on the club, by also forcing them to play their second game of next season behind closed doors.
Monaco are due for a trip to Bordeaux on the opening day of the season on 10th August, but will be playing their home game against against Montpellier minus fans.
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However, Monaco issued a statement today condemning the acts of their supporters, but revealing that the decision to appeal was a possibility.
The statement read: "AS Monaco FC wishes to express its surprise following the decision on Thursday of the Disciplinary Committee of the LFP to impose a one-game suspension [of fans] and three penalty points, one suspended.
"This punishment seems harsh compared to the work done by the club for years for better organisation of home games and respect to towards any official leader, player or arbitral body.
"In addition, AS Monaco FC has always condemned, in the strongest terms, violence against referees. The Stade Louis II has always been synonymous with friendliness and respect for opponents and referees.
"The club awaits the expected decision on considering an appeal."
Earlier today, the LFP statement regarding Monaco’s points deduction claimed the punishment had been handed down "for the use of pyrotechnics, the pitch invasion at the end of the match and an act of brutality towards the referee by a spectator who invaded the pitch".
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