WATCH: Saint-Etienne fans invade the pitch and attack their own players following relegation from Ligue 1


WATCH: Saint-Etienne fans invade the pitch and attack their own players following relegation from Ligue 1

France’s joint-most league title winners alongside PSG, Saint-Etienne have been a regular fixture in Ligue 1 since their promotion in 2004 while this will be Auxerre’s first promotion in a decade.

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Auxerre secured promotion to the top flight with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory after the two sides were level at 2-2 on aggregate. There were ugly scenes after Saint-Etienne’s 18-year stay in Ligue 1 was brought to an end, with fans storming onto the pitch.

Smoke bombs, firecrackers, and fireworks were thrown and players quickly had to be escorted to the dressing room, making their escape as fans piled onto the pitch.

Flares were thrown at the main stand, while players appeared to be targeted by supporters, who also clashed with police and security staff on the field.

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Saint-Etienne vowed to take action following a dark day for the 10-time champions of France.

A club statement said, “Despite an exceptional and reinforced deployment of nearly 500 agents, many supporters invaded the pitch at the final whistle of the match against Auxerre.

“Some were guilty of several degradations and acts of violence towards players, the security agents, police, and the fans in the Pierre-Faurand stand. ASSE strongly condemns these acts, gives its full support to those affected, and will initiate the necessary legal proceedings,” it added.

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Saint-Etienne vs Auxerre: As it happened

After a draw in the first leg, Auxerre won on penalties at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium before a cauldron-like atmosphere gave way to chaos. Following a goalless first half, Hamza Sakhi opened the scoring for Auxerre with a header.

Madhi Camara levelled for St-Étienne following a corner taken by Enzo Crivelli. Physically fresher, the Greens were the better team at the end of the 90 minutes and in extra time but eventually fell foul of spot-kicks.

On penalties, Ryad Boudebouz, the first St-Étienne taker saw his effort saved by Donovan Leon while the Auxerrois were perfect with all their kicks with Birama Touré, the Auxerre captain, scoring the winning penalty.

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