Saint-Etienne relegated from Ligue 1 on Sunday night after losing a dramatic play-off against Auxerre.
The decision fell on penalties in the last of two matches between the two French teams. It lost Saint-Etienne 4-5, and when the relegation was a fact, the spectators stormed the pitch.
Watch video of insane chaos after the match at the top of the case!
It did not take many seconds before the pitch was filled with angry supporters chasing the Saint-Etienne players.
– Terrible
Both flares and fireworks were thrown at the players as they ran into the player tunnel.
– This is going to be some awful pictures. No no no! Complete chaos. These are not good pictures. Terrible pictures, said Direktesport commentator Robin Haugen about the scandal scenes that unfolded.
In the photos from the player tunnel, it could look as if some of the players had been hit by something the supporters threw at them.
– Here the emotions take over for Saint-Etienne fans. This is not how it should be, Haugen commented.
Shortly after the relegation was a fact, the club’s owners issued a statement about the relegation.
There they write that they share the pain and grief of everyone who loves the club, but that the defeat has to be accepted. They further write that they take full responsibility for the relegation.
– In a while we will announce important news regarding the future of the club. An important side of our lives will be turned around, but we put above all the ASSE institution which, we are convinced, will very quickly find its way back to the elite, they write.
Traditional club
Saint-Etienne have had a lead-heavy season in Ligue 1 this season, and after finishing in 18th place, they had to go into the play-off against Auxerre from Ligue 2 to retain their place in France’s top division.
It ended, as is well known, with losses and relegation for the green-clad. Saint-Etienne is one of the most traditional clubs in France, and that is precisely why the relegation will probably burn extra for the supporters.
Together with PSG, Saint-Etienne is the club in France with the most league golds with 10 titles. This relegation is also the club’s first in 18 years.
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