the ASSE-Metz match interrupted after incidents in the stands… and a “69” celebration by Mikautadze

Nicolas Rainville, the referee for the Saint-Etienne-Metz match in Ligue 2, sent the players back to the locker room this Saturday after around thirty minutes of play, following incidents in the stands. The Garnets led 3-0. However, the meeting resumed.

The Ligue 2 clash between AS Saint-Etienne and FC Metz interrupted. While the Grenats were leading 3-0 at Geoffroy-Guichard this Saturday after less than 30 minutes of play, incidents in the stands forced the referee, Mr. Rainville, to temporarily send the 22 players back to the locker room.

Georges Mikautadze, Lyonnais by birth and author of a double, celebrated his first goal with a “69” achieved with his fingers, which could have heated some spirits. But the incidents occurred on the opposite side, where a supporter of Metz placed outside the parking lot celebrated the third Lorraine goal with, precisely, the jersey of Mikautadze. However, a prefectural decree forbade visiting supporters to bring distinctive signs of FC Metz. The man was evacuated by the stewards, and the match resumed after seven minutes of stoppage.

ASSE still under threat of a reprieve

Saint-Etienne remain under threat of three penalty points after incidents following relegation to Ligue 2 last season. After the penalty shootout in the dams lost against Auxerre, the supporters of the Greens had invaded the field and caused a lot of damage. ASSE had suffered a three-point penalty at the start of the season as a result, a sanction accompanied by an additional three-point reprieve.

Asked at the break by the broadcaster, Mikautadze assumed his celebration-room. “I’m from Lyon, that’s why, he laughed. Is it a good idea? I don’t know, but I’m from Lyon and we’re in Saint-Etienne!”