Djilobodji Faces Sanction After Elbowing Incident Against Toulouse
Senegalese defender Papy Djilobodji is expected to miss the remainder of the season following a moment of indiscipline during Nantes’ 1-1 draw with Toulouse on Sunday.
With just two matches left in the Ligue 1 campaign, Djilobodji’s season is likely over after he received a straight red card for violent conduct. The incident occurred shortly after Toulouse equalised through striker Wissam Ben Yedder, setting off a tense sequence of events.
In the immediate aftermath of the goal, as Ben Yedder hurried to retrieve the ball to resume play, he clashed with Djilobodji, who reacted by striking the Franco-Tunisian forward with his elbow. The blow caught Ben Yedder on the jaw and was swiftly punished by the referee, who did not hesitate to send the Nantes defender off.
Speaking after the match to French broadcaster Canal+, Djilobodji admitted his wrongdoing.
“I was angry after the goal and I hit him,” he said. “Afterwards, I went to their locker room to apologise — that’s it.”
Despite his gesture of contrition, the 26-year-old is unlikely to avoid further disciplinary action. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) is expected to review the incident, and a suspension appears inevitable.
The altercation underscores a frustrating afternoon for Nantes, who had taken the lead earlier in the match but failed to secure the three points. The draw leaves them in a tense battle to avoid relegation, with every match crucial in the season’s final stretch.
Djilobodji has been a key figure in Nantes’ defence this season, but his absence could prove costly at a critical moment for the club. His loss adds to the challenges faced by coach Michel Der Zakarian as he attempts to guide the team to safety.
Toulouse, meanwhile, continue their own campaign with renewed momentum following their late equaliser and are now unbeaten in their last three outings.
The disciplinary committee is set to announce any sanctions against Djilobodji later this week.
