Credit: @a_depazberrocal / X
The Ligue 1 match between Nantes and Toulouse was abandoned after fans invaded the pitch and threw flares after just 22 minutes of play.
The shocking scenes involving ultras at Stade de la Beaujoire were part of an apparent protest at Nantes’s relegation from the French top flight – with the cancellation halting what was meant to be a celebratory last outing for Vahid Halilhodzic’s final game at the club. Police had to take to the pitch and the manager Halilhodzic, 73, who appeared to be the target of the fans’ anger, was visibly shaken by events.
Anti-riot police officers secure the pitch after Nantes’ supporters threw smoke flares and invaded it – Sebastien Salom-Gomis/AFP via Getty Images
In a statement on their website, Nantes said: “The Yellow and Greens wanted to end the season tonight with a victory at the Beaujoire, for coach Vahid’s last match and for pride, against Toulouse FC.
“However, following the use of pyrotechnics in the stands and a pitch invasion in the 22nd minute (0-0), the authorities and the refereeing team decided to abandon the match.”
Marina Ferrari, France’s minister of sport, also posted about the unrest on social media channel X.
She wrote: “I condemn these actions with the utmost firmness and offer my support to the players as well as to the fans who came to experience this moment peacefully.
“I wish to commend the swift intervention of the stadium staff and law enforcement. Everyone must take responsibility to ensure the identification of those responsible for these acts of violence, who must be sanctioned with the utmost severity.”
Referee Stéphanie Frappart called off the match after initially suspending play, citing “security reasons.”
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