Monaco handed two-point deduction

Monaco will start the new Ligue 1 season on minus two points after they were punished for crowd trouble in their home game with Le Mans.

The top-flight new boys have been handed a three-point penalty, with one suspended, by governing body LFP for overzealous celebrations from their fans in the aftermath of their final home match of last season, in which they secured both the Ligue 2 title and promotion.

Supporters lit flares and staged a pitch invasion after the final whistle, with the match referee attacked as the ugly scenes marred the end of their two-year stay in the second tier.

The principality outfit have also been ordered to play one home game behind closed doors.

“Regarding the seriousness of the facts, Monaco are condemned to one match behind closed doors and a three-point penalty, including one suspended, for the next Ligue 1 season,” an LFP statement read.

The news will come as a blow to Claudio Ranieri’s big spenders, who are aiming to challenge champions Paris Saint-Germain for the title next term and have already brought the likes of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho to the Stade Louis II.