Ligue 1 match abandoned as riot police intervene after ultras storm pitch throwing flares in terrifying scenes

Nantes’ final match of the season has been abandoned after ultras stormed the pitch in protest at the club’s relegation.

The Ligue 1 side have dropped out of the French top-flight for the first time since promotion in 2013.

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Their fate had already been sealed prior to their clash at home to Toulouse on Sunday evening.

However, their ultras made their feelings known during the first half of the match as they stormed the pitch in terrifying scenes.

Nantes ultras stop match

After 22 minutes of the game, hundreds of Nantes fans stormed the pitch at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

It came after flares were lit behind the goal whilst the game was going on.

The ultras then forced their way past the stewards and onto the pitch as the players immediately ran down the tunnel.

Police quickly intervened as the ultras were prevented from following the Nantes players towards the dressing room.

There were unsavoury scenes outside the technical area, though, as tempers continued to boil over.

Nantes boss Vahid Halilhodzic had to be held back as he remonstrated with the supporters who had invaded the pitch.

He could then be seen on the verge of tears as TV cameras later cut to him during the chaotic scenes.

The Bosnian coach will leave his role at the end of the season having returned to the club for a second spell in charge in March.

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As well as spending five years with Nantes as a player, Halilhodzic previously served as manager between 2018 and 2019.

The 73-year-old came out of retirement in a bid to save the club from relegation but was unable to succeed in that endeavour.

Although the ultras were filmed leaving the pitch shortly after their invasion, the match was ultimately abandoned by the referee, news which was confirmed by Nantes at 9:05pm UK time.

Nantes relegated

Nantes’ relegation to Ligue 2 was sealed in their penultimate match away to Lens on May 8.

The 1-0 defeat confirmed the club would join Metz in dropping out of the top-flight at the end of the campaign.

It ends their 13-year stay in Ligue 1 which has included two appearances in the Coupe de France final.

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Nantes won the first of those in 2022, beating Nice to lift the trophy for the fourth time in their history.

They subsequently reached the knockout round play-offs in the Europa League the following season before losing to Juventus.

Meanwhile, the 2022/23 campaign also saw the club reach a second successive Coupe de France final only for them to lose to Toulouse.