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Leave Montpellier-Saint-Etienne match after fans started the fire

Montpellier, France-a French league game between the lower side of Montpellier and the colleague Saint-Etienne was abandoned on Sunday when a fire broke out on a stand after torches were thrown by home fans.

Montpellier was covered with 2-0 after Lucas Stassin was hit twice for visitors in the 63rd minute by referee Francois Letexier.

Television shots showed black smoke from the fire. Local media reported that a person behind the goal line was evacuated.

Montpellier's followers shine in front of the French L1 soccer game between Montpellier Herault SC and as Saint-Etienne in Stade de la Mosson on March 16, 2025 before stadium safety. AFP via Getty Images
Montpellier's trailer light light-grapes in front of stadium safety staff during the French L1 soccer game between Montpellier Herault SC and as Saint-Etienne in Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier on March 16, 2025 AFP via Getty Images

The players of both teams were sent back to the changing rooms when some Montpellier fans were watered in the stands. The fire was wiped out, but the game did not start again for security reasons, although Montpellier may now be exposed to a serious punishment.

In a season for the club's 50th anniversary, Montpellier sits in the French league. Saint-Etienne is only one point above the 17th place.

As early as 2023, a game between Montpellier and Clermont was used up after a fireworks that landed in addition to Clermont goalkeeper Mory Diaw, which was then repelled.

The torches were lit while the match was still played. AFP via Getty Images
The torches caused a fire that caused a cloud of smoke. AFP via Getty Images

Montpellier won his only title of the French league in 2012 when he annoyed Paris Saint-Germain.

The club also won the second division in 1987 and in 1990 the French Cup with a team with Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc and Julio Cesar.

However, the ambitions of Montpellier this season were significantly hindered by the significant decline in income from television rights, which prevented the association from securing the planned reinforcements.

Saint-Etienne supporters had been banned by the French authorities due to a high risk of violence to Montpellier.