The French Sports Minister has condemned “unacceptable scenes of violence” following the dramatic abandonment of the Ligue 1 clash between Nantes and Toulouse on the final day of the season.

In a statement issued on social media, Marina Ferrari declared that the pitch invasion by Nantes supporters represented behavior that “has absolutely no place in sport or our Republic”. She pledged her full backing for players and fans who attended peacefully.

The minister insisted that “every stakeholder must take responsibility to identify those responsible for these acts, who will face severe sanctions”.

Nantes, already relegated to Ligue 2, and Toulouse, with nothing left to play for, were deadlocked at 0-0 when the chaos erupted in the 22nd minute. Supporters from the Loire Tribune section breached pitch security, triggering a chain reaction that forced referees to halt the match permanently.

While Nantes fans eventually returned to their section under heavy CRS security presence, isolated clashes continued despite police efforts to restore order. The minister made no mention of other pitch invasions that occurred later that evening following the Nice-Auxerre fixture.

What happened during the Nantes-Toulouse match abandonment

• 22nd minute incident: Nantes supporters invade the Stade de la Beaujoire pitch
• Security failure: Despite police presence, pitch perimeter was breached
• Match consequences: Referee was forced to abandon the fixture permanently
• Fan response: Nantes ultras eventually retreated under police escort
• Ministerial reaction: Ferrari condemns violence and demands strict accountability