Ligue 1 Match Abandoned as Montpellier Supporters Set Off Flares and Start Fire

The Ligue 1 relegation battle between Montpellier and Saint-Etienne was abandoned in the 63rd minute due to fan violence, with supporters setting off flares and starting a fire in the stands.

A crucial relegation battle between Ligue 1's bottom two teams, Montpellier and Saint-Etienne, was abandoned in the 63rd minute due to a chaotic scene unfolding at the stadium. The match was halted after home fans threw flares onto the pitch, and a section of the stand caught fire.

At the time of the abandonment, Saint-Etienne was leading 2-0, courtesy of Lucas Stassin's double. Stassin's second goal, which came eight minutes into the second half, further infuriated the already frustrated Montpellier supporters, ultimately leading to the chaotic events that forced the match to be abandoned.

The situation escalated when flares landed on the pitch, prompting the referee to halt play for three minutes. Although the match resumed, the atmosphere remained tense. Supporters began to move away from the front of the stand as smoke and flames became visible in their sector, forcing the referee to take drastic action.

The referee instructed the players to return to the dressing rooms, and after a 20-minute suspension, an announcement was made informing the fans that the match had been abandoned due to the unsafe conditions.

This incident marks the second time in recent months that Montpellier supporters have been involved in a match abandonment. In October 2023, a firecracker targeted at Clermont's goalkeeper led to the match being halted.

Montpellier's on-field struggles continue, with the team having lost their last six league games. They have managed only four wins all season and sit in 18th place on 15 points after 25 matches, six points adrift of the relegation playoff spot. Saint-Etienne, meanwhile, occupies 17th place on 20 points.