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Saint-Étienne Triumphs Over Lyon in Derby Marred by Fan Violence

Play was halted for 45 minutes after a linesman was struck by a projectile, prompting renewed calls for safety measures in Ligue 1.

Referee Francois Letexier (right) checks on  assistant Mehdi Rahmoun (C) after halting play in Saint-Etienne

Overview

  • Saint-Étienne defeated Lyon 2-1 in a tense derby at Geoffrey-Guichard Stadium, keeping their survival hopes alive as they remain second from bottom on goal difference.
  • The match was interrupted for 45 minutes when assistant referee Mehdi Rahmouni was hit by a projectile thrown from the stands, though he later resumed officiating after receiving treatment.
  • League officials have launched an investigation to identify the perpetrator, with operations reportedly beginning within a minute of the incident.
  • The French Football Federation and Ministry of the Interior had recently pledged to implement stronger protections for match officials following a series of violent incidents in Ligue 1.
  • Lyon fans were prohibited from attending the match due to prior safety concerns, while Saint-Étienne faces potential partial stadium closures over repeated pyrotechnic and crowd misconduct issues.