A Ligue 1 match was deserted after simply 22 minutes when residence ultras invaded the pitch in protest of the hosts’ relegation.
Followers of Nantes invade the sphere after simply 22 minutes. (Picture: Getty Photos) This text incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we are going to obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
A match within the French prime flight was deserted after ultras invaded the pitch in protest at their membership’s relegation. Sunday’s Ligue 1 fixture between relegated Nantes and Toulouse was halted with simply 22 minutes on the clock after residence supporters hurled flares and broke by way of the boundaries on the Stade de la Beaujoire.
Each units of gamers fled down the tunnel as riot police had been deployed amid the chaos. Nantes supervisor Vahid Halilhodzic, taking cost of his closing match on the membership, was seen standing his floor in opposition to the ultras and telling them to vacate the pitch. Police ultimately compelled the supporters to retreat, and referee Stephanie Frappart opted to name the match off almost 40 minutes after play was first halted.
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“The choice to completely cease the match has been made for safety causes,” Frappart mentioned.
With the scoreline at 0-0 on the level of abandonment, it stays unclear whether or not the fixture will probably be replayed. Nantes had already been relegated heading into their closing sport of the season, whereas Tenth-placed Toulouse can solely enhance their place by one place.
In a press release printed on their official web site, Nantes mentioned: “The Yellow and Greens wished to finish the season tonight with a victory on the Beaujoire stadium, for coach Vahid’s final match and for delight, in opposition to Toulouse FC.
“Nonetheless, following using pyrotechnics within the stands and a pitch invasion within the twenty second minute (0-0), the authorities and the refereeing staff determined to desert the match.”
France’s Minister of Sports activities, Marina Ferrari, branded the incident ‘unacceptable’, writing in a submit on X: “I condemn these actions with the utmost firmness and provide my assist to the gamers in addition to to the followers who got here to expertise this second peacefully.
Anti-riot cops forestall Nantes’ supporters from invading the picth in the course of the French L1 soccer match between FC Nantes and Toulouse FC on the Stade de la BeaujoireLouis Fonteneau in Nantes, western France, on Might 17, 2026. (Photograph by Sebastien Salom-Gomis/AFP through Getty Photos) (Picture: Getty Photos)
“The definitive interruption of this match, determined by the prefect, was mandatory. Such incidents can’t be tolerated.
“I want to commend the swift intervention of the stadium employees and regulation enforcement. Everybody should take duty to make sure the identification of these chargeable for these acts of violence, who should be sanctioned with the utmost severity.”
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Halilhodzic, 74, was diminished to tears following the chaotic scenes, having been given an emotional send-off earlier than kick-off. The Bosnian is getting ready to retire from administration after 33 years in teaching, which included two spells with Nantes.
Throughout his enjoying days, Halilhodzic spent 5 years at Nantes. The previous ahead made 163 appearances and scored 93 objectives earlier than departing for Paris Saint-Germain, the place he hung up his boots in 1987.
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