Nantes-Toulouse abandoned after fans threw flares and invaded the pitch

Nantes’ home match against Toulouse in France’s top flight was abandoned with 22 minutes to play when hooded ultras stormed the pitch and threw flares.

It was a clear protest against Nantes’ relegation from Ligue 1 this season, winning just five of their 33 league games.

Supporters threw flares then broke through barriers and entered the pitch at the Stade de la Beaujolais with the score 0-0 as stewards struggled to contain them.

Players ran down the tunnel as police entered the field to quell the protests, eventually forcing the fans to retreat.

About 40 minutes after the match was first suspended, referee Stephanie Frappert finally called off the game.

“It has been decided to stop the match permanently due to security reasons,” he said.

Sunday’s game was the season finale for both teams and Nantes manager Vahid Halilhojic’s final game at the club.

“The yellows and greens wanted to end the season tonight at the Beaujolais Stadium, in coach Vahid’s last match and for pride, with a win against Toulouse FC,” Nantes said in a statement on their website.

“However, following the use of pyrotechnics in the stands and a pitch invasion in the 22nd minute (0-0), the authorities and the referee team decided to abandon the match.”

French sports minister Marina Ferrari wrote in X that the incident was “unacceptable”.

“I strongly condemn this act and offer my support to the players as well as the fans who came to enjoy this moment peacefully.

“The specific interruption of this match, determined by the prefect, was necessary. Such incidents cannot be tolerated.

“I would like to commend the swift intervention of the stadium staff and law enforcement. Everyone must take responsibility to ensure the identification of those responsible for this violence, who must be sanctioned with the utmost rigor.”