The French football has once again been hit by crowd trouble with the game between Lyon and Marseille getting abandoned.
Dimitri Payet was getting ready to take a corner early on in the game when he was hit by a fully-filled water bottle thrown from the crowd. The French forward sank to the turf before getting on-field treatment.
Referee Rudy Buquet immediately told both sides to return to the dressing room. Payet left the pitch with an ice pack on his head.
Almost an hour later, the referee decided to call off the game due to safety measures.
Lyon CEO Jean-Michel Aulas explained the decision to Prime Video.
“There was an extremely violent reaction from Marseille when the decision to resume the match was taken. The referee then asked to see the regional prefect to reverse his decision.”
Speaking as a television pundit, Thierry Henry reacted to the incident (via GFFN).
“What is damaging is that it will have repercussions. In England, for example, it will be seen. A match interrupted by imbeciles. It’s a shame because it puts a strain on our beautiful league.” the Arsenal legend said.
The French FA has failed to stamp out crowd disorder in Ligue 1. In August, Niece were docked two points due to serious incidents during their game against Marseille. The two sides played the game later in October without fans.
In September, the northern derby between RC Lens and Lille was delayed by half an hour after. The rival fans threw objects at each other before the start of the game, which has also occurred multiple times this season.
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