The encounter, deadlocked at 0-0 after just 22 minutes, was halted when Nantes supporters rushed the field following flares and object launches. referee Stéphanie Frappart ordered both teams back to the dressing rooms as security struggled to control the situation.

Nearly 40 minutes later, during a crisis meeting with club representatives, the Loire-Atlantique prefect, police officials, Ligue de Football Professionnel delegate Olivier Chovaux and the match referee announced the definitive abandonment of the fixture. The decision came as Nantes ultras celebrated in the stands, followed by a final round of smoke bombs before the stadium was evacuated.

“You will have observed, as we did, the pitch invasion by supporters alongside pyrotechnics and object throwing. This forced officials and both teams to retreat to the locker rooms,” stated the LFP delegate. “The match has been definitively abandoned on prefectural orders for safety reasons,” confirmed Frappart.

Coach Halilhodzic confronted by unruly fans

With Nantes already relegated to Ligue 2 for next season, coach Vahid Halilhodzic remained on the touchline, shouting at supporters who advanced toward him before security intervened. CRS riot police eventually secured the stands where Nantes ultras had gathered.

Sports Minister condemns “unacceptable” violence

Sports Minister Marina Ferrari swiftly condemned the violence: “The scenes that just unfolded during the FC Nantes-Toulouse FC match are unacceptable and have no place in sport or our Republic. I firmly condemn these acts and stand with the players and supporters who came to enjoy the game peacefully. The prefect’s decision to abandon the match was necessary—such behavior cannot be tolerated. I commend the quick response of stewards and law enforcement. Every involved party must take responsibility to identify and severely punish those responsible for this violence.”