The Ligue 1 fixture, tied 0-0 at the 22-minute mark, was halted when Nantes ultras breached the pitch following pyrotechnic displays and projectile throwing. Referee Stéphanie Frappart ordered both teams to retreat to the locker rooms while chaos unfolded on the field.

Nearly 40 minutes after the initial disruption, a definitive decision was reached during an emergency meeting involving the prefect of Loire-Atlantique, police representatives, the LFP delegate Olivier Chovaux, and the match officials. The consensus was clear: the game would not resume.

Chaos erupts as players and coach face hostile crowd

Vahid Halilhodzic, Nantes’ head coach, initially refused to leave the pitch as enraged supporters closed in, requiring physical intervention from security personnel to escort him to safety. The situation only stabilized after riot police secured the stands and cleared the stadium of lingering smoke.

French sports minister condemns violent scenes

Marina Ferrari, France’s Minister of Sports, swiftly denounced the disturbances: “The scenes of violence we witnessed 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 full support to the players and fans who came to enjoy the game peacefully. The prefect’s decision to abandon the match was necessary—such behavior cannot be tolerated.”

Ferrari also praised the rapid response of stewards and law enforcement, stressing that “everyone involved must take responsibility to identify and hold accountable those responsible for these acts, who will face severe penalties.”