Bastia v Lyon called off as home fans invade pitch

by Grant Boone
in Sports
— Apr 17, 2017

The Ligue 1 meeting between Bastia and Lyon in Corsica was delayed after the home fans ran on to the pitch and attempted to attack Lyon players during their warm-up.

Following the very serious incidents that occurred during the warm-up, the DDSP (Departmental Director of Public Security) had indeed made a decision to play the game but to stop it at the slightest incident.

Reserve goalkeeper Mathieu Gorgelin was caught in the middle and most affected. Players from both teams went back to their changing rooms before calm was restored.

The game in Corsica kicked off nearly 55 minutes late as a result.

Lyon's players were finishing their pre-game warm-up when about 50 Bastia fans targeted them, an AFP reporter at the scene said.

The balls were thrown back by Lyon forward Memphis Depay before the players were attacked by Bastia supporters.

"The players then huddled together. Both they and the coaching staff are very shocked", said Berthod.

Moments later, the players were quickly ushered down the tunnel and ordered to remain in the dressing room/tunnel.

It was the second time in a week that Lyon had faced hooligan problems, after crowd trouble before Thursday's Europa League game in Lyon against Turkish side Besiktas which is being investigated by Uefa.

The French club was charged with the insufficient organisation and a breach of safety regulations as their supporters blocked stairways, set off fireworks and invaded the pitch after a 2-1 win in the first leg of the quarter-final.

Lyon star striker Alexandre Lacazette, who was not playing, tweeted: "Pfffff shameful!"

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