Fans in the Tribune Loire section launched smoke bombs onto the pitch and invaded the playing surface, forcing referee Stéphanie Frappart to immediately suspend the game. The situation escalated rapidly as around a hundred CRS riot police, deployed for crowd control, found themselves on the wrong side of the unfolding chaos.

Nantes coach Vahid Halilhodzic, marking the final match of his coaching career at 74 years old, remained on the field in an attempt to confront the pitch invaders. Emotionally distressed by the turn of events, he was restrained by stewards before he could reach the supporters. Earlier in the match, he had been the only figure greeted with applause from the Brigade Loire ultras, who had briefly displayed banners expressing their dissatisfaction.

Players from Nantes were seen urging family members to leave the stadium during the disturbances. After approximately ten minutes of violent clashes, riot police attempted to enter the Tribune Loire section but were repelled by hooded leaders in fierce exchanges. Seats were ripped out and hurled at CRS officers while the rest of the stadium watched in stunned silence.

When Halilhodzic returned to the touchline after the disturbances, he offered to approach the supporters. “It’s too dangerous, they’re fighting among themselves,” he was warned. “But what are they doing?” the coach replied, visibly frustrated.

A crisis cell involving representatives from the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) and public authorities was hastily assembled to assess the situation. As of 21:45 local time, the match had not resumed, with indications pointing toward an indefinite postponement.