The riots started in the 22nd minute of the match when the score was 0-0. Dozens of fans broke through the fences, ran onto the pitch and started throwing firecrackers, reports Fox Sport.
The players were sent to the substation and police intervened to restore order. Authorities later decided to permanently stop the match for safety reasons.
The reason for such an aggressive protest of fans was the club’s departure from the top division of French soccer, as well as the policy of the team’s management.
The situation was especially emotional for Nantes head coach Vahid Halilhodzic, for whom the match was to be the last in his career. The coach, who turned 74 on May 15, tried to calm the fans and was visibly shaken by what happened.
The scandal around Nantes has once again raised the issue of safety at soccer matches in France. The incident also symbolized the deep crisis of one of France’s most famous clubs, which is leaving the top division for the first time in more than a decade.
