The evening took a dramatic turn at Stade de la Beaujoire when supporters from the Tribune Loire section, unhappy with the club’s relegation fate decided a week earlier, launched smoke bombs onto the pitch and stormed the field. With CRS riot police stationed in the wrong area during the initial chaos, the situation spiraled out of control.

Referee Stéphanie Frappart immediately ordered both teams to retreat to the locker rooms. The only figure who refused to leave was 74-year-old manager Vahid Halilhodzic, who was set to coach his final match before retirement. Overwhelmed by emotion, he attempted to confront the intruders but was restrained by stewards. Earlier, he had been the sole figure greeted warmly by the Brigade Loire ultras, who showered him with emotional tributes before the violence erupted.

Nantes players were seen urging their families to evacuate the stadium as clashes intensified. After roughly ten minutes of violent confrontations, riot police attempted to enter the Tribune Loire but were repelled by masked leaders in fierce exchanges. Seats were torn from the stands and hurled at officers while the rest of the crowd watched in stunned silence.

Halilhodzic returned to the touchline after the disturbances, offering to speak to the supporters. “It’s too dangerous, they’re fighting each other,” he was warned. “But what will that change?” the veteran coach replied, visibly distressed.

A crisis cell has since been formed involving Ligue de Football Professionnel representatives and public authorities. As of 21:45, the match had not resumed and all indications pointed toward an abandonment of proceedings.