The match, held at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday evening, was halted at the 22nd minute after smoke bombs were launched and supporters invaded the pitch. Following an emergency meeting with representatives from both clubs, the Loire-Atlantique prefect, police officials, Ligue de Football Professionnel delegate Olivier Chovaux, and referee Stéphanie Frappart announced the definitive abandonment of the game.
Frappart stated: « You will have observed, as we did, the pitch invasion by supporters accompanied by pyrotechnic activity and object throwing. This led to the officials and both teams returning to the locker rooms. »* The decision to abandon the match was made by the prefect for safety reasons, nearly 40 minutes after the initial interruption. The announcement was met with cheers from Nantes ultras. The stadium was later evacuated following additional smoke bomb deployments.
Minister condemns violent scenes
Marina Ferrari, France’s Minister of Sports, swiftly condemned the incidents: « The scenes of violence that unfolded minutes ago during the FC Nantes vs Toulouse FC match are unacceptable and have no place in sport or our Republic. I strongly condemn these actions and extend my support to the players and supporters who attended the match peacefully. The prefect’s decision to definitively abandon the match was necessary. Such incidents cannot be tolerated. I commend the rapid intervention of stewards and law enforcement. All parties must take responsibility to identify those responsible for these acts of violence, who will face severe penalties. »*
The match was abandoned with the score at 0-0 after Nantes supporters stormed the pitch following smoke bombs and object throwing. Referee Stéphanie Frappart ordered both teams back to the locker rooms. Nantes manager Vahid Halilhodzic initially resisted, remaining on the pitch and shouting at supporters who approached him, barely restrained by security personnel. After several minutes, Nantes ultras returned to their stands, secured by a heavy police presence. Nantes, currently 17th and second-to-last in Ligue 1, will play next season in Ligue 2.
