May 27, 2026

The African Tribune

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Nantes sanctioned with empty stadium after Ligue 1 security breach

Nantes handed empty stadium sanction after Ligue 1 security incident

The club faces an additional penalty following fan disturbances during their final match of the season against Toulouse.

The disciplinary committee of France’s professional football league (LFP) has officially validated the 0-0 score from Nantes’ final Ligue 1 match against Toulouse, while imposing sanctions on the club for security breaches. The decision, confirmed on May 27, includes a one-match closed-door game and a two-game closure of the Loire stand at the Beaujoire stadium.

“Following review of the investigation report, the committee has definitively validated the score recorded at the time of the definitive interruption of the match (0-0)”, stated the LFP in an official release. “Additionally, the committee has imposed the following sanctions: one match with closed doors at the Beaujoire stadium, followed by the closure of the Loire stand for two further matches.”

On May 17, during the 34th matchday of the season, Nantes’ match against Toulouse was abandoned following serious disturbances. Fans invaded the pitch in the Loire stand after smoke bombs were set off, prompting police intervention. Referee Stéphanie Frappart announced the definitive abandonment of the match “due to prefectural order for safety reasons”.

The sanctions mean Nantes will play their first Ligue 2 match without supporters. The club’s return to the second division will begin under strict security conditions.