Match Abandoned After Crowd Chaos In Montpellier

The Ligue 1 fixture between relegation-threatened Montpellier and Saint-Etienne was halted in the 57th minute after crowd unrest escalated, forcing officials to abandon the match.

Saint-Etienne led 2-0 when flares were hurled onto the pitch, sparking a brief fire in the stands at Stade de la Mosson. Security forces were called to restore order before the referee confirmed that authorities had decided to call off the game.

Lucas Stassin had bagged a brace for Saint-Etienne, putting them on course for a crucial victory despite being reduced to 10 men before halftime.

Montpellier coach Jean-Louis Gasset admitted the incident had been building for some time. This was almost inevitable, he conceded.

Montpellier remain rooted to the bottom of the table, five points behind Saint-Etienne, who sit just one point adrift of the relegation play-off spot and three away from safety.