Ligue 1 match interrupted as Nantes fans storm pitch
Ligue 1 match interrupted as Nantes fans storm pitch
Frustrated by the Canaries’ inevitable relegation, Nantes supporters invaded the pitch mid-game.
With twenty minutes played in the final matchday fixture of Ligue 1 between FC Nantes and Toulouse on Sunday, May 17, the game was halted after Nantes supporters stormed the pitch at Stade de la Beaujoire. The match was deadlocked at 0-0 when several dozen individuals dressed in black and wearing club-colored hoods forced their way past security from the Loire Tribune, carrying smoke flares.
The invading fans made it onto the pitch before the 22 players were forced to retreat to the locker rooms. The confrontation left everyone shaken as the match remained suspended.
Coach Halilhodzic vents frustration
Nantes head coach Vahid Halilhodzic attempted to confront the pitch invaders but was restrained by a staff member. The coach’s pent-up anger was later broadcast on Ligue 1+’s cameras while he spoke in the locker room. Though most of the intruders returned to the stands, the game was still called off. Sources from Ligue 1+ reported that a crisis cell had been set up involving LFP officials and public authorities to determine the match’s outcome.