Saint-Étienne, France – Tension rise for tonight’s fierce derby between Saint-Étienne and Lyon as match suspend just before half-time. The drama unfold when linesman Mehdi Rahmouni collect blow from object thrown by crowd, while Saint-Étienne lead 1-0 thanks to Lucas Stassin‘s goal.
The unsavoury incident happen for the 44th minute at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, making match officials, Ligue 1 delegates, and police to hold crisis meeting to decide next steps. After discussions, they agree to delay the match for 45 minutes before resuming.
Ligue 1 official confirm that Rahmouni take painkiller and fit to continue officiating. However, they warn that if crowd throw any other objects, match go finish. When Lyon step back onto pitch, boos echo from home crowd, showing the tension between the rival clubs.
Saint-Étienne and Lyon don dey compete for ages, with Les Vertes just returning to Ligue 1 after dropping to the second tier last season. Before match kick-off, home fans taunt Lyon supporters by flaunting Manchester United shirts due to the Red Devils’ comeback win over Lyon in Europa League. This only fuel the rivalry.
Lyon, who stand to gain a spot in the top four with victory, see this match as critical. On the other hand, struggling Saint-Étienne need points to avoid relegation, as they target to equal Le Havre in points, who sit in 16th place. Last month, Saint-Étienne face chaos when fans set their stadium on fire after trailing 2-0 against ten-man Saint-Étienne early in the second half.
This ongoing rivalry showcase the intense emotions surrounding local derbies in French football, and tonight’s match only add more fuel to an already fiery relationship between the two clubs.
