The match between relegation rivals Montpellier and Saint-Etienne was abandoned after serious disturbance by the home fans. The disciplinary committee of the French football governing body, Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), has decided not to continue the match, confirming the on-field score as of the time the match was abandoned.
The bottom-of-the-table clash was played at Montpellier’s ground, the Stade de la Mosson. Saint-Etienne raced into a lead in the 11th minute, and then doubled it early in the second half, courtesy of striker Lucas Stassin, and it seemed like the away side were headed for a win.
But the match was interrupted in the 62nd minute when some of the home fans became so annoyed at the scoreline that they began to throw smoke bombs.
Referee Francois Letexier paused the game for some time so that the situation could be sorted out. However, smoke and flames soon rose in the stands and the players had to be taken off the pitch. After over 30 minutes, the game was abandoned.
Saint-Etienne have now been awarded a victory for the game. After hearing from all parties involved and reading the investigation report, the disciplinary committee of the LFP decided not to restart or replay the match and instead award Saint-Etienne the three points.
The LFP body confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the match would end with the 2-0 score on the pitch. Montpellier have won only four games all season.
This is not the first time that Montpellier fans have interrupted a game. In October 2023, supporters threw fireworks onto the pitch in a match against Clermont. It landed next to goalkeeper Mory Diaw and left him stunned. The match was consequently abandoned, with Montpellier leading 4-2 at the time.
On that occasion, the leading team was not granted a win. The LFP imposed sanctions on Montpellier, including a points deduction. The match was eventually replayed in November behind closed doors.
Saint-Etienne’s win means that they are now five points ahead of Montpellier and one place ahead at 17th place. Montpellier remain bottom of the league (18th place), eight points from safety with seven games to play.
