Nantes Fans Storm Pitch, Force Abandonment of Season Finale

Ligue 1 game called off following protest at Stade de la Beaujoire

Nantes’ final Ligue 1 match against Toulouse was abandoned after hooded ultras invaded the pitch to protest relegation.

Referee Stephanie Frappart abandoned Nantes vs Toulouse after a pitch invasion by home supporters upset at the club’s relegation...

The Ligue 1 match between Nantes and Toulouse was abandoned after a pitch invasion in the 22nd minute. Hooded ultras from the home side threw flares and ran onto the pitch in protest at Nantes’ relegation this season.

Play was stopped as players left the field and riot police moved in to control the protest. Referee Stéphanie Frappart later called off the game, which was meant to be the final match of the season for both teams.

“The decision to permanently stop the match has been made for security reasons,” she said.

Fans forced their way past barricades and onto the pitch at the Stade de la Beaujoire. Police were unable to stop them at first, but eventually pushed them back.

🚨🇫🇷 CHAOS AT NANTES! During the match, the ultras invaded the pitch. They are unhappy with the situation at the club and the team being relegated from Ligue 1. 😮 pic.twitter.com/YkRpQ2mVJi

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 17, 2026

Several supporters appeared to target Nantes coach Vahid Halilhodzic. He was in the dugout for the final time after announcing he would end his 33-year coaching career after the match.

Before Sunday’s game, Nantes had won only five of their 33 league matches. The poor season left them second from bottom. Toulouse sit in mid-table and had nothing riding on the final day.