MONTPELLIER’s 3-0 home win over local rivals Nimes was marred by crowd trouble – with the game interrupted for more than 30 minutes after being stopped twice.
With 11 minutes left on the clock, masses of Montpellier supporters behind the goal attempted to gain entry to the pitch and confront the travelling contingent after Gaetan Laborde’s headed goal.
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Riot police sprayed Montpellier fans with an unknown substance as crowd trouble marred the derby against Nimes
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It was the first time the two sides have played in more than 25 years
The referee was forced to intervene and lead the players off the field immediately.
Around 80 riot police came on to the field immediately to stop this from occurring.
Video footage has since circulated on social media of security spraying an unknown substance in an attempt to halt the situation.
However, the Montpellier fans didn’t take too kindly to that, and responded by throwing metal poles on to the field of play – as well as launching smoke grenades into the air.
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Video showed fans throwing a metal pole back towards riot police
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Several banners were also unfurled by Montpellier fans to provoke Nimes supporters
The home fans had also unveiled several banners in an attempt to antagonise the travelling Nimes contingent.
Earlier in the match, a metal gate gave way as Montpellier fans celebrated the opening goal by Ambroise Oyongo.
This resulted in several supporters spilling on to the pitch – causing an initial seven-minute interruption.
Early reports have indicated two fans suffered light injuries.
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The ugly scenes, which also saw a fence collapse, saw the game delayed for more than 30 minutes
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Montpellier ended up 3-0 winners
Several Montpellier players went over to their angry fans in a bid to diffuse the situation.
When the players eventually came back out, Montpellier’s stadium announcer pleaded with home fans not to cause any more trouble – or risk being stripped of the three points by the league’s disciplinary committee.
This fell in deaf ears with the aforementioned incident occurring late on – as the first ‘Languedoc derby’ in 25 years was ultimately overshadowed by the crowd commotion.
The incidents could lead to sanctions for second-placed Montpellier, who are now nine points behind runaway leaders and champions PSG who saw Neymar hit a brace in a 3-0 win at Nice on Saturday.
Andy Delort was also on target for Michel Der Zakarian’s men – who are unbeaten in six games.
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