Basketball Commentator Faces Suspension for Rivalry Chant on Live TV

TV Monaco has taken swift action against basketball commentator Laurent Sciarra following an incident during a live broadcast of an AS Monaco Basket game. Sciarra, a former professional player turned consultant, was suspended immediately after expressing support for rival team OGC Nice during the telecast.

The controversial moment occurred as cameras showed AS Monaco football manager Adi Hütter in the audience during a EuroLeague match between AS Monaco and Zalgiris Kaunas. Upon seeing Hütter, Sciarra exclaimed “Issa Nissa” (Go Nice!), a chant associated with OGC Nice supporters.

This outburst came at a sensitive time, just days before the highly anticipated Côte d’Azur derby between AS Monaco and OGC Nice. The two teams are currently neck-and-neck in the league standings, occupying the third and fourth positions with equal points.

TV Monaco, a state-owned broadcaster, quickly distanced itself from Sciarra’s comments. In an official statement, the network strongly condemned the incident and offered apologies to those who may have been offended. The suspension highlights the intense rivalry between the two coastal clubs and the importance of maintaining neutrality in sports broadcasting.