French Soccer match postponed after fans throw flares, start fire in stands
Alona Yadav | Mar 17, 2025, 22:34 IST
( Image credit : AP )
A Ligue 1 match between Montpellier and Saint-Étienne was postponed after flares set off by fans caused a fire. With Saint-Étienne leading 2-0, the game was halted and eventually not resumed due to safety concerns. Montpellier condemned the violence, and disciplinary actions are awaited. Some injuries were reported, but details remain unclear.
A Ligue 1 soccer match between Montpellier Hérault and Saint-Étienne was postponed Sunday after fans set off flares that sparked a small fire in the stands at Montpellier's Stade de la Mosson.
The incident occurred around the hour mark with Saint-Étienne leading 2-0 against relegation-threatened Montpellier. Video footage captured black smoke billowing from behind one of the goals as red flares were thrown onto the pitch by supporters.
Montpellier fans were seen running to the back of the stands as flames temporarily broke out. The club later confirmed that some people had been injured in the incident, though the nature of these injuries was not specified.
Referee François Letexier initially paused the game while security attempted to restore order. However, he eventually escorted the players off the pitch before officials announced the match would not resume.
"By decision of the public authority, it was decided not to resume the match," Letexier explained at a post-match press conference, according to the Ligue 1 website.
It remains unclear whether the 2-0 score will stand or if the approximately 30 minutes remaining in the match will be played at a later date. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which oversees French soccer, has not yet commented on the incident.
Montpellier, currently sitting at the bottom of the French top flight, addressed the situation in a statement sent to CNN on Monday: "The club strongly condemns the violence that took place on Sunday afternoon. The club is now awaiting disciplinary action."
The home team's supporters have grown increasingly frustrated by their club's struggles this season. Meanwhile, Saint-Étienne, which occupies the position just above Montpellier in the standings, was without traveling fans on Sunday after French authorities banned them from attending due to a high risk of violence, according to the Associated Press.
The incident occurred around the hour mark with Saint-Étienne leading 2-0 against relegation-threatened Montpellier. Video footage captured black smoke billowing from behind one of the goals as red flares were thrown onto the pitch by supporters.
Montpellier fans were seen running to the back of the stands as flames temporarily broke out. The club later confirmed that some people had been injured in the incident, though the nature of these injuries was not specified.
Referee François Letexier initially paused the game while security attempted to restore order. However, he eventually escorted the players off the pitch before officials announced the match would not resume.
"By decision of the public authority, it was decided not to resume the match," Letexier explained at a post-match press conference, according to the Ligue 1 website.
It remains unclear whether the 2-0 score will stand or if the approximately 30 minutes remaining in the match will be played at a later date. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which oversees French soccer, has not yet commented on the incident.
Montpellier, currently sitting at the bottom of the French top flight, addressed the situation in a statement sent to CNN on Monday: "The club strongly condemns the violence that took place on Sunday afternoon. The club is now awaiting disciplinary action."
The home team's supporters have grown increasingly frustrated by their club's struggles this season. Meanwhile, Saint-Étienne, which occupies the position just above Montpellier in the standings, was without traveling fans on Sunday after French authorities banned them from attending due to a high risk of violence, according to the Associated Press.