The intense rivalry between AS Saint-Etienne and Olympique Lyonnais took a dramatic turn on Sunday evening, April 20, 2025, during their Ligue 1 clash at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. The match, which was the final fixture of the 30th matchday, was interrupted just before halftime after an assistant referee was struck by a projectile thrown from the stands.
As the teams prepared for a throw-in, assistant referee Mehdi Rahmouni was hit in the head, prompting the main referee François Letexier to halt the match. With the score at 1-0 in favor of Saint-Etienne, thanks to a 10th-minute goal from Lucas Stassin, the players were sent to the locker rooms while a crisis unit was convened to assess the situation.
Following a 20-minute delay, it was announced that the match would resume at 22:15. A delegate confirmed that the assistant referee was not injured and deemed fit to continue officiating. This decision was met with relief, as the match was on the brink of being permanently halted if a resolution wasn’t reached within 45 minutes of the interruption.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric before the incident, with approximately 40,372 fans in attendance, many of whom were waving scarves and lighting flares in support of their teams. The rivalry between Saint-Etienne and Lyon is one of the fiercest in French football, and this match was no exception, with both sets of supporters creating a charged environment.
Prior to the match, Lyon had a strong track record against Saint-Etienne, winning five of their last six encounters, including three without conceding a goal. However, the recent memory of their heartbreaking exit from the Europa League just days earlier, where they lost to Manchester United in a thrilling 5-4 match after extra time, added an extra layer of pressure on the Lyon players.
As the game resumed, both teams were eager to assert their dominance. Saint-Etienne, fighting to avoid relegation, needed a win to improve their precarious position in the league. They started strong, with Stassin’s early goal igniting hopes of a much-needed victory. The home side's attacking movements were relentless, putting the Lyon defense under constant pressure.
In the 24th minute, the match took another twist when VAR intervened after a challenge involving Tolisso and Stassin. Initially, Stassin was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle, but after reviewing the footage, the referee downgraded it to a yellow card, much to the relief of the Saint-Etienne fans. Tolisso, however, was unable to continue and was replaced by Paul Akouokou.
As the first half progressed, Lyon struggled to find their rhythm. Their captain, Alexandre Lacazette, was visibly frustrated, receiving a yellow card for a late challenge. The Lyon players appeared disoriented, failing to capitalize on their opportunities while Saint-Etienne continued to press forward.
Despite their struggles, Lyon had moments of brilliance, with several attempts on goal thwarted by the impressive Saint-Etienne goalkeeper, Larsonneur. The first half ended with the score still at 1-0, and the tension in the stadium was palpable as the teams headed into the locker rooms.
During the break, discussions continued about the implications of the projectile incident. The match could have faced severe consequences, including penalties for Saint-Etienne, who had already been under scrutiny for crowd behavior in previous matches. Fans recalled a similar incident in 2021 when a projectile thrown at Dimitri Payet led to Lyon losing points and a match being replayed behind closed doors.
As the second half began, both teams returned to the pitch with renewed determination. Saint-Etienne sought to extend their lead, while Lyon aimed to level the score and keep their European ambitions alive. The match was not just about points; it was about pride in this heated derby.
With the clock ticking down, the stakes grew higher. Lyon began to find their footing, pushing forward with more urgency. However, the resolute defense of Saint-Etienne held firm, blocking shots and intercepting passes. The home crowd roared with every successful tackle, urging their team on as they fought to maintain their slim lead.
As the match neared its conclusion, Lyon intensified their efforts, creating several goal-scoring opportunities. The tension reached a fever pitch as the final minutes approached, with both teams desperate for a breakthrough. Supporters from both sides were on the edge of their seats, chanting and cheering, creating an atmosphere that was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
The drama of the match encapsulated everything that makes this derby so special—passion, rivalry, and the unpredictable nature of football. As the final whistle approached, it was clear that this match would be remembered not only for the football played but also for the incidents that unfolded off the pitch.
Ultimately, this derby highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and the impact of fan behavior on the beautiful game. As both teams left the pitch, the focus turned to the aftermath of the match and the discussions surrounding crowd control and safety measures in future encounters.
In the end, the match between Saint-Etienne and Lyon was a testament to the enduring spirit of rivalry in football, reminding fans and players alike of the highs and lows that come with being part of such a passionate sport.
