Chaos erupted at Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday evening as Nantes hosted Toulouse in the season’s final Ligue 1 fixture. With the home side already relegated to Ligue 2, emotions ran high from the start. By the 22nd minute, the match was suspended after supporters from the Loire Tribune section launched flares onto the pitch and stormed the field.

The deployment of around a hundred riot police officers proved ineffective at the time, as the disturbances escalated rapidly. Several seats were ripped from the stands and hurled toward the CRS units, while families of players were seen being urged to leave the stadium.

Referee Stéphanie Frappart immediately ordered both teams to retreat to the locker rooms. Amid the turmoil, 74-year-old coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who was managing his final match before retirement, remained on the pitch, confronting the intruders. Initially supported by Nantes ultras, he was visibly distraught and had to be restrained by stewards. Minutes earlier, he had been visibly moved to tears while acknowledging the Loire Tribune group before the violence erupted.

When Halilhodzic attempted to approach the agitated supporters, he was warned of the danger: “It’s too risky, they’re fighting among themselves.” His response: “And what are they going to do?”

After over ten minutes of clashes, the riot police moved to regain control of the Loire Tribune section but were met with fierce resistance. Masked leaders engaged in violent exchanges, further escalating the unrest. The situation grew increasingly surreal as stunned spectators watched from the rest of the stadium.

A crisis cell was reportedly formed involving Ligue 1 officials and public authorities. As of 9:45 PM, the match had not resumed, with indications pointing toward a definitive abandonment.