MONTPELLIER, France — In a dramatic turn of events during a French league match, a game between Montpellier and Saint-Etienne was called off following a fire in the stands, ignited by flares thrown by local supporters. The two bottom-of-the-table teams faced off, with Montpellier trailing 2-0 after two goals by Saint-Etienne’s Lucas Stassin. Referee Francois Letexier halted the match in the 63rd minute amidst rising chaos.
Television coverage captured black smoke billowing from the blaze, and reports indicated that a person had to be evacuated from the area behind the goal line. Consequently, players from both teams were instructed to head back to their locker rooms, as some Montpellier fans began damaging seats. Although the fire was eventually put out, the match was not resumed owing to security concerns, leaving Montpellier at risk of severe disciplinary action.
This season holds special significance for Montpellier as it marks the club’s 50th anniversary, yet they find themselves at the bottom of the league standings. Saint-Etienne, marginally better off, occupies the 17th spot. The recollection of a 2023 incident lingers, where a firework thrown from the stands prompted the abandonment of a game against Clermont, resulting in the injury of goalkeeper Mory Diaw who had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher.
Historically, Montpellier clinched its sole French league title in 2012, triumphing over Paris Saint-Germain, and enjoyed earlier successes with a second-division title in 1987 and the French Cup in 1990, boasting players like Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc, and Julio Cesar. This season, however, has seen the club’s aspirations dwindle due to a significant fall in television rights income, thus hindering their ability to enhance the squad as intended.
Authorities had already prohibited Saint-Etienne’s fans from traveling to Montpellier due to anticipated violence risks, a decision which perhaps underscored the heightened tensions surrounding the match.
