A French Ligue 1 match between FC Nantes and Toulouse FC was abandoned after just 22 minutes on Sunday following a violent pitch invasion by Nantes supporters protesting the team's relegation. The incident occurred at Stade de La Beaujoire, where dozens of fans, some wearing balaclavas, breached security barriers and stormed the field, throwing flares and pyrotechnics. Players from both teams fled to the safety of the locker rooms as riot police intervened to clear the pitch.
Nantes manager Vahid Halilhodzic, 73, confronted the invading fans in an attempt to calm the situation. The veteran coach, who had returned from retirement to manage the club in March, was seen pleading with the ultras before being dragged away by security. The match was officially abandoned due to security concerns, marking a chaotic end to what was supposed to be Halilhodzic's final game before retirement.
The club's relegation was confirmed last week following a 3-0 defeat to Marseille, leaving Nantes in 17th place in the standings. The incident has raised questions about stadium security and fan behavior in French football.