Football game in France postponed for pyrotechnics and fire

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a high-class Football game between montpellier hérault Saint-Étienne was postponed on the Sunday after the ignition of neon rockets by fans that caused a small fire in the audience ranks.

incident during the game

Saint-Étienne had led 2-0 against the relegation-threatened Montpellier in the middle of the game when the referee interrupted the game after about an hour. Video material shows how black smoke rises from one of the gates in the Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, while fans throw red flare on the field.

reactions of fans and referee decisions

The supporters of Montpellier could be seen how they ran into the back rows of the stands when a small fire seemed to break out for a short time. Referee François Letexier initially paused the game, while the security forces tried to calm the situation. Finally he took the players off the pitch and stopped the game.

official explanations and other measures

"At the decision of the responsible authorities it was decided not to take the game back on," said Letexier at a press conference, as on the website of Ligue 1 reports . CNN contacted the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which is responsible for French football to obtain a comment on the incident. It is unclear whether the result remains or whether the approximately 30 minutes that remained in the game are made up for on another date.

The current situation of the teams

Montpellier is currently taking the last place in the French top league, which causes growing frustration at the fans about the difficulties of the team this season. CNN contacted Montpellier regarding the incident in the stadium on Sunday. Saint-Étienne was also asked for a statement.

fan ban for Saint-Étienne

Saint-Étienne, which ranks a place over Montpellier, played on Sunday without their own fans, since the French authorities had banned their journey due to a high potential for violence, such as the Associated press reported.