He didn't flinch. Twenty-four hours after the most tense evening of his career, Mattéo Guendouzi stands by every word and every gesture.
On Wednesday evening, Fenerbahçe eliminated OL at the Groupama Stadium (1-2, 2-3 on aggregate) and returns to the Champions League for the first time since 2008-2009. Yet that is not what the crowd remembered from that evening.
A provocation even before kick-off
The 27-year-old midfielder had already given the finger to the Lyon stands before the match. At the final whistle, he celebrated in front of the fans' section, made repeated obscene gestures, shouted 'Allez l'OM' and reproduced Jul's sign.
A scuffle followed in the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms. According to several media outlets, Antonio Ferreira, OL's goalkeeping coach, allegedly tried to hit him.
Guendouzi sticks to his version
His version has not changed since the incident. In a video released by his club, he explained himself:
'Throughout the whole warm-up, the entire stadium sang a song insulting my mother, my family, my children. I stayed respectful, I didn't do anything aggressive.'
Corentin Tolisso admitted he understood that a player could be affected by insults targeting his family. However, he felt that this did not justify what followed.
UEFA facing a sensitive case
UEFA was due to open a disciplinary procedure this Friday. Article 15 of the regulations, which targets improper conduct by players, could allow the body to uphold several cumulative charges. Guendouzi could therefore face a suspension of one to three matches in European competition.
OL is not spared either: the club is also implicated as the host organiser, over the conduct of its staff and the movements observed in the stands.
Two versions, one single set of rules. It is now up to UEFA to decide.
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