After the French club was demoted to Ligue 2 after 18 years in the top division, supporters threw flares down the tunnel toward their own players with video of the St Etienne fans riot viral
After the two sides tied 2-2 on aggregate over both legs, AJ Auxerre emerged victorious, winning 5-4 on penalties. With the victory, Auxerre moved up to a second position in the French premier flight, replacing St Etienne. At the end of the game, enraged supporters stormed the field, pursuing their own players down the tunnel.
St Etienne Fans Attack Own Players With Flares As Riot Erupts After Club Is Relegated, Video Viral
Elsewhere in football in France…
Here’s how St Etienne fans reacted to relegation to Ligue 2: pic.twitter.com/zKhrY9ZFLM
— Adam Millington (@AdamGMillington) May 29, 2022
Angry St. Etienne fans after their team was relegated yesterday #ASSE pic.twitter.com/vNhWOkgoKY
— FootballAwaydays (@Awaydays23) May 30, 2022
As the frightened footballers rushed for safety, flares and smoke bombs were hurled at them. At least 14 police officers, two players, and 17 spectators were hurt. Players were allegedly attacked as they left the violent and chaotic surroundings.
As smoke filled the stadium and authorities used teargas, they could be seen scratching their eyes. Hundreds of people were allegedly detained for hours before being freed, according to reports.
In Ligue 2, St Etienne will be joined by Metz and Bordeaux, while AC Ajaccio and Toulouse will compete at the top level. St Etienne is set to be sold to David Blitzer’s multi-club conglomerate, according to getting French Football News.
Details:
“For the Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne, the 2021-2022 season concludes with the terrible sentence of relegation to Ligue 2 after eighteen successive seasons in Ligue 1,” the club announced in a statement.
“We feel the same deep regret and pain as everyone who cares about the Greens, whether they are fans or partners.”
“If we’ve been able to make mistakes in recent seasons, we’ve never ceased striving to safeguard ASSE’s long-term viability. As its financial status will allow it to play in Ligue 2 next season.
“In a little time, we’ll have some crucial news to share about the clubs and our own futures. A significant page in our lives will be flipped, but we prioritize the ASSE institution. Which, we believe, will rapidly return to the elite.”