The incident occurred during the 37th minute at the Furiani Stadium, with the score still 0-0. Bastia supporters reacted angrily after Jocelyn Janneh received a red card for a violent tackle on Lorient’s Julien Ponceau in the 32nd minute. Smoke bombs and projectiles, including lighters and drink containers, were thrown from the stands, forcing referee Willy Delajod to suspend play and send players back to the locker rooms.
“The safety of the players will be very important throughout the rest of the match,” Mr. Delajod said in a brief press conference. “The security system will be reinforced to protect my assistant Stéphane Panont.”
After a 27-minute stoppage and assurances of enhanced security, the match resumed. Frédéric Antonetti, Bastia’s technical director, was seen attempting to calm the stands during the disruption. Despite these efforts, the incidents overshadowed the remainder of the game, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
SAFE Condemns Violence
The Elite Football Referees Union (SAFE) issued a strong statement condemning SC Bastia for the “rare violence” and “total insecurity” during the match. The union detailed the throwing of objects, including lighters and beer cups, at assistant referee Stéphane Panont from the South Stand.
SAFE also criticised the verbal abuse directed at referees, calling it an ongoing issue across football stadiums. The statement referenced previous incidents involving racist insults against officials, marking an escalation in unacceptable behaviour.
“How far must we go to recognise the folly and danger of such actions?” SAFE stated. “One day, it will be too late, and we will regret it. Should referees exercise their right to withdraw in the absence of safety guarantees?”
The union called for decisive action to ensure the safety of match officials and all individuals involved in the sport.
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