Laurent Sciarra Suspended by TVMonaco for Support of OGC Nice During Live Broadcast
Former basketball player Laurent Sciarra faces immediate suspension from TVMonaco after expressing support for rival team OGC Nice during a live match commentary.
Laurent Sciarra, a former basketball player who transitioned to a consulting role at TVMonaco, has been suspended following his comments supporting OGC Nice during a live broadcast.
The incident occurred on March 25, 2025, during a match between AS Monaco and Zalgiris Kaunas, where the final score was 96-86 in favor of AS Monaco.
As the team's coach, Adi Hütter, appeared on screen, Sciarra expressed his support for OGC Nice by saying "Issa Nissa," a local dialect expression for "go Nice." He further remarked to his commentary colleague, Colin Bourgeat, questioning whether Bourgeat would support Monaco, suggesting that a lack of allegiance could lead to a mishap down the stairs.
The Club des Supporters de Monaco (CSM) promptly responded, stating that Sciarra’s comments led them to believe he could no longer fulfill his role effectively.
In response to the backlash, TVMonaco issued a statement on March 26, announcing that Sciarra was suspended from on-air duties with immediate effect, deeming his remarks "unacceptable and inappropriate" for the broadcaster.
The channel condemned the comments, reaffirming that they contradict its values, ethics, and journalistic standards.
TVMonaco also expressed its apologies to anyone who may have been offended by Sciarra's remarks.
The length of his suspension and any potential financial repercussions for Sciarra have not been disclosed by the broadcaster.
The incident occurred on March 25, 2025, during a match between AS Monaco and Zalgiris Kaunas, where the final score was 96-86 in favor of AS Monaco.
As the team's coach, Adi Hütter, appeared on screen, Sciarra expressed his support for OGC Nice by saying "Issa Nissa," a local dialect expression for "go Nice." He further remarked to his commentary colleague, Colin Bourgeat, questioning whether Bourgeat would support Monaco, suggesting that a lack of allegiance could lead to a mishap down the stairs.
The Club des Supporters de Monaco (CSM) promptly responded, stating that Sciarra’s comments led them to believe he could no longer fulfill his role effectively.
In response to the backlash, TVMonaco issued a statement on March 26, announcing that Sciarra was suspended from on-air duties with immediate effect, deeming his remarks "unacceptable and inappropriate" for the broadcaster.
The channel condemned the comments, reaffirming that they contradict its values, ethics, and journalistic standards.
TVMonaco also expressed its apologies to anyone who may have been offended by Sciarra's remarks.
The length of his suspension and any potential financial repercussions for Sciarra have not been disclosed by the broadcaster.
