Metz vs. Lyon Suspended After Firecracker Thrown from Stands Explodes on Pitch
Saturday night’s Ligue 1 clash between Metz and Lyon was abandoned after a firecracker exploded underneath visiting goalkeeper Anthony Lopes when he was receiving treatment.
Seemingly thrown from the crowd, the firecracker left Lopes writhing in pain in his own penalty area and forced the referee to put an end to proceedings at Stade Saint-Symphorien, per the Daily Mirror’s Alex Richards:
As soon as the explosion occurred, players from both sides gestured toward the crowd in disgust and appeared shocked by what they had seen.
Debris had to be removed from the pitch before the officials considered letting the game go ahead, while both Lopes and the on-hand team doctor were treated for injuries.
Get French Football revealed the moment the firecracker went off:
The team doctor can be seen limping away from the incident as Lopes rolls away in agony.
Metz were 1-0 to the good at the time of the incident, and although officials and local authorities held discussions for over 30 minutes, the match didn’t continue.
Investigations were immediately launched to locate the culprit, and GFF reported that Metz have tracked down those responsible and will seek legal action:
Metz’s next home game takes place on 14 December against Toulouse in the Coupe de la Ligue.
