A dramatic Ligue 1 encounter between Montpellier and Clermont on Sunday took an unsettling turn when the match had to be abandoned during stoppage time. The decision came after the visitors’ goalkeeper became the target of a firecracker incident that sent shockwaves through the stadium.
Clermont’s goalkeeper, Mory Diaw, fell to the ground in distress as a firecracker, seemingly hurled from the Etang de Thau tribune, where Montpellier supporters were situated, exploded dangerously close to him. Diaw had to be carried off the field on a stretcher, leaving spectators and players in a state of concern.
Referee Florent Batta swiftly took charge of the situation, initially sending both teams to the dressing rooms for their safety. As events unfolded, Batta decided not to resume the game, despite Montpellier holding a 4-2 lead at that point.
Explaining his decision, Batta told reporters, “After a firecracker was thrown near the visiting goalkeeper, the player collapsed to the ground. For the safety of the players, I asked everyone to return to the dressing room. We set up a crisis unit. The doctor who examined the Clermont goalkeeper found that he was not fit to resume the match. As a result, the match was definitively abandoned.”
The incident underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all those involved in football matches and serves as a reminder of the need for increased vigilance to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
