Pitch Invasion Ruins Bordeaux's Promotion to Ligue 1

The French football governing body decided not to give the promotion to club Girondins de Bordeaux.

French football club Bordeaux, playing in Ligue 2, was on the verge of winning promotion to Ligue 1 on June 2. However, the stupidity of a home fan cost them the promotion. When the pitch invader pushed opponent player Buades, the latter suffered a concussion, because of which, the game was abandoned.

As it happened

Playing against Rodez, Bordeaux needed a win to secure promotion to Ligue 1. On the other hand, Rodez needed a win to avoid relegation. Lucas Buades, a Rodez player, gave his team a lead by scoring the first goal of the game.

During his celebration, a home supporter invaded the pitch and shoved Buades, who fell to the ground and was later taken off the field with the help of a stretcher. The referee stopped the game and sent both clubs to their respective dressing rooms.

After a thorough discussion, the game was abandoned and a win was handed over to Rodez because of the team’s early goal.

Punishment handed over

Apart from handing over the win to Rodez, the French football governing body also deducted points from Bordeaux’s next season and ordered them to close the Stade Matmut-Atlantique's south stand for the next two games.

Bordeaux’s statement

Reacting to the decision taken by the government, the club said in a press release, "The Disciplinary Commission of the LFP today issued a decision that is as incomprehensible as it is disproportionate, both in view of the elements of the file and the case law. FC Girondins de Bordeaux will contact the CNOSF as soon as possible to defend its rights and sporting fairness."

"FC Girondins de Bordeaux renews its desire to obtain a decision that does not provide for disciplinary sanctions against the club and that allows the replay of the match stopped so that the final ranking of the Ligue 2 BKT championship is played on the sports field to guarantee perfect fairness," the club added.