Fireworks at football match spark investigation

During a Ligue 2 match between Saint-Etienne and Nantes, fans celebrated a late goal with a fireworks display, prompting the club to investigate the incident. The display happened after Augustine Boakye scored the winning goal in the 89th minute, leading supporters in the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium to set off pyrotechnics.

Match interrupted by pyrotechnics

The fireworks forced the match referee, Gael Angoula, to halt the game, which was about to enter added time. The celebration, marking the club's 35th anniversary, continued for several minutes, with players not approaching the North Kop to ask fans to stop the display, which also included smoke bombs.

Club concerned about rule violations

While the 37,310 Green supporters celebrated a fifth consecutive home victory and a top league position, club officials and security were not pleased. Rules against fireworks and smoke bombs had been discussed in preparation meetings, but they were apparently ignored during the match.

Club reviews supporter entry procedures

Saint-Etienne noted that regulated pat-downs by security were conducted, though body searches require law enforcement. The club emphasized that while they have strong control measures, risks in a high-traffic environment cannot be fully eliminated. They are analyzing the incident and reinforcing safety protocols.

No public statement but implicit condemnation

The club has not issued a public statement and has not shared images of the fireworks or smoke bombs on social media, which is seen as an implicit form of disapproval. The incident has been recorded in the delegate's report and may lead to sanctions, including a possible closed-door match for the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium.