Saint-Etienne launches internal investigation after Magic Fans' fireworks display during Nantes match

Saint-Etienne has launched an internal investigation after Magic Fans set off fireworks and flares during Saturday's 1-0 win over Nantes, forcing the referee to halt play.

Saint-Etienne's Magic Fans supporter group celebrated their 35th anniversary during Saturday's Ligue 2 match against Nantes by setting off fireworks and flares from the stands after Augustine Boakye's winning goal in the 89th minute. The pyrotechnics forced referee Gael Angoula to stop the match as it entered added time, and players had to appeal to supporters to cease the display.

The club's hierarchy was not amused. Despite pre-match meetings where supporters were reminded that flares and fireworks are strictly prohibited, the group proceeded with the display anyway. Saint-Etienne has now opened an internal investigation to determine how the pyrotechnic devices were brought into the stadium and past security checks, with plans to review and strengthen entry procedures.

The club has not issued a public statement but notably refrained from sharing images of the incident on social media—an implicit condemnation. The match report has been filed with the disciplinary commission, and Saint-Etienne expects sanctions, potentially including a stadium closure for the Kop Nord section.

This would be the third such closure of the season at Geoffroy-Guichard, following bans after incidents in August.