Overview
- A shirt pull sparked a confrontation shortly before halftime that escalated into a brief on-field brawl between FC Metz and Fortuna Sittard players.
- Referee Mathilde Denoncay, 25, stepped in to separate players, was accidentally struck and fell to the pitch during the incident.
- Several players paused to check on Denoncay while security and both teams' medical staff entered the field to assist her.
- Denoncay rose and officiated from the touchline to finish the first half but was replaced at center and did not return for the second half.
- The friendly finished 3-1 to Metz, no club or referee authority has released medical details or announced any investigation or disciplinary action so far, raising questions about referee safety and next steps.