The LFP has ordered the partial closure of the North Stand at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard for three matches following the use of pyrotechnics during a recent Saint-Étienne fixture, Sports – Orange reported.
The disciplinary decision, announced Wednesday following a meeting of the LFP disciplinary council, mandates the closure of the Charles Paret stand. This sanction stems from the “massive use of pyrotechnic devices” that caused a temporary interruption of a Ligue 2 match between Saint-Étienne and Nantes on October 24.
Supporters are not expected to return to the North Stand until 2027, depending on the club’s upcoming domestic cup schedule. The ban takes effect immediately, beginning with the home match against Laval this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. local time.
LFP imposes three-match partial closure of Charles Paret stand
The League of Professional Football (LFP) issued a formal communiqué stating that the partial closure of the Charles Paret stand is a “firm” sanction for three matches. According to Le Progrès, the immediate implementation means the stadium will be missing a section of its support during the upcoming Ligue 2 match against Laval.
The disciplinary action targets the lower portion of the North Stand. The incident that triggered the ruling occurred during the 10th day of the Ligue 2 season when Saint-Étienne defeated Nantes 1-0. During the 90th-minute winning goal by Augustine Boakye, the Magic Fans ultra group reportedly set off approximately 400 flares and fireworks to celebrate both the victory and the group’s 35th anniversary, according to Sports – Orange and Actu.fr.
The pyrotechnic display was witnessed by club officials, including President Ivan Gazidis and Canadian owner Larry Tannenbaum, and resulted in a temporary halt to the proceedings.
Saint-Étienne terminates security contract after internal investigation
In response to the security breach, Saint-Étienne conducted an internal investigation. Actu.fr and Le Figaro both reported that the club has terminated its contract with the security firm responsible for controlling access to the North Stand.
The club initiated this probe following requests from the Kilmer leadership, who were present at the stadium during the Nantes match. The investigation aimed to address the safety risks posed by the entry of pyrotechnic devices into the stands, leading to the decision to end the collaboration with the service provider in charge of the Charles Paret section.
Timeline for supporter return to the North Stand
The exact date when fans can occupy the North Stand again remains subject to Saint-Étienne’s performance in the Coupe de France. While the LFP has mandated three matches of closure, the specific fixtures affected depend on whether the club hosts home games in the cup competition.
Le Progrès notes that the match against Nancy on December 5 is a confirmed fixture that will be affected by the partial closure. If the club does not host a Coupe de France match at Geoffroy-Guichard before mid-January, the third sanctioned match would be the Ligue 2 fixture against Boulogne on the weekend of January 15.
If the club does host a cup match and plays that game at a different venue, the third sanctioned match could occur in late December. Regardless of the specific fixture, supporters will not return to the stand until early 2027, with potential return dates being January 15 or January 29 during the match against Dunkerque, according to Sports – Orange.
History of stadium sanctions for Saint-Étienne
This ruling marks the second time this season that Saint-Étienne has faced supporter restrictions at home. Earlier in the campaign, both kops were closed for the club’s first two home matches against Clermont on August 14 and Grenoble on August 21, Sports – Orange reported.
Frequently asked questions about the North Stand closure
Which specific part of the stadium is closed?
The LFP sanction applies to a partial closure of the Charles Paret stand, specifically the lower section of the North Stand at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, according to Actu.fr.
Why was the sanction issued?
The LFP cited the massive use of approximately 400 flares and fireworks by the Magic Fans during the October 24 match against Nantes, which caused a temporary interruption of the game.
When will fans be allowed back in the North Stand?
Fans are expected to return in 2027, with the exact date depending on whether the club plays home matches in the Coupe de France, potentially on January 15 or January 29.
Saint-Étienne’s next home match is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, against Laval at 8:00 p.m. local time.
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