Ligue 1 match abandoned as keeper is stretchered off after firework explodes on the pitch
A goalkeeper was stretchered off during a Ligue 1 match in France between Clermont Foot and Montpellier after a firework exploded near him. The match was later abandoned.
A football match in France has been abandoned after a firework exploded at the feet of a goalkeeper.
The shocking incident occurred during Clermont Foot's Ligue 1 clash with Montpelier on Sunday afternoon. A small explosive, possibly a firecracker, was tossed onto the pitch by Montpelier fans behind the goal and landed right at the feet of Clermont Foot keeper Mory Diaw.
The 30-year-old fell to the turf immediately after the bang, and was later stretchered from the field by medics who rushed on to tend to him. The match was suspended with Montpelier 4-2 up and the stadium was hastily evacuated for safety reasons.
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As Diaw's concerned team-mates crowded around, Clermont defender Neto Borges appeared to show a middle finger to area of the crowd in which the firework was thrown from, receiving a red card for the gesture.
Fans on social media reacted angrily to the incident, with some even suggesting Montpelier be docked points for their supporters' behaviour. "Outrageous. They should have points taken off them are at least be fined," one X user fumed.
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The fan who threw the firecracker is understood to have been identified by security. Clermont are yet to provide an official update on Diaw and there is no indication as to when, or if, the match will resume.
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Diaw, who is a Senegal international, has been Clermont's first-choice keeper since joining the club from Swiss outfit Lausanne-Sport in 2022. He's a product of PSG's youth academy and played over 30 times for the club's B team, but never made an appearance for the senior side. He's also played club football in Portugal and Bulgaria.
Clermont are currently bottom of Ligue 1, having lost five of their first seven matches of the season. Montpellier meanwhile are 12th in the league, seven points ahead of their Apline opponents.
The match was eventually abandoned.