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French Ligue 1 Match Abandoned After Fan Violence Causes Fire in Stands

The Montpellier vs. Saint-Étienne game was halted after flares ignited a fire, leading to the evacuation of players and fans.

TOPSHOT - Montpellier's supporters light flares during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and AS Saint-Etienne at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France, on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Sylvain THOMAS / AFP) (Photo by SYLVAIN THOMAS/AFP via Getty Images)
Riot police officers evacuate the stands after Sunday's Ligue 1 clash between Montpellier and Saint-Etienne was abandoned

Overview

  • The Ligue 1 match between Montpellier and Saint-Étienne was abandoned in the second half after fans threw flares, causing a fire in the stands.
  • Saint-Étienne was leading 2-0 when the referee, citing safety concerns, stopped the game in the 57th minute and later decided not to resume play.
  • Police intervened to restore order, while local authorities determined that the match could not safely continue.
  • Montpellier fans, frustrated by their team's poor season, were involved in incidents both inside and outside the stadium, including vandalism and targeting the Saint-Étienne team's hotel with fireworks overnight.
  • The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has yet to announce whether the match will be replayed or if penalties will be imposed on Montpellier.