Ruffier hit me, claims Lyon president Aulas

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has accused Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier of punching him following their game on Sunday.

Remi Garde’s side secured a 2-1 win at their local rivals, winger Jimmy Briand heading home the winner in the third minute of injury time after Saint-Etienne’s Romain Hamouma had cancelled out Alexandre Lacazette’s opener.

The Rhone derby is one of the fiercest rivalries in French football and tensions were increased when local authorities opted to ban Lyon fans from the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard following violent clashes between the two sets of supporters last season.

But it was emotions among the players that spilled over this time around, with Aulas claiming he had been struck by France international Ruffier during unsavoury scenes after the final whistle.

“One of our doctors made a remark on his way back to the dressing rooms. Fabrice Grange, the Saint-Etienne goalkeeping coach, a former Lyon player and France international, thought it was a good idea to hit our doctor,” Aulas told Canal+.

“While I was trying to separate them, Stephane Ruffier gave me a big blow on the back.”

Controversy dominated the build-up to the game as Saint-Etienne fans attempted to confront Lyon goalkeeping coach Joel Bats after he tied a club scarf to one of the nets.

And Aulas was quick to condemn the home followers for their actions.

“I watched all the hubbub in the stands from the start of the game,” he added.

“Their supporters threw toilet paper at our goalkeeper. The officials didn’t see the reality.

“Luckily, it turned out well for us. What happened on the pitch is incredible. Some idiots managed to get onto the pitch after Joel Bats put one of our scarves in the goal.

“All of that is a shame as football is a party. With regard to Joel Bats, he was completely right to tie that scarf on. The supporters, who couldn’t watch the derby, deserved it.”