The chaotic evening at Stade de la Beaujoire began with Nantes already relegated to Ligue 2. Within minutes of kickoff, the match against Toulouse was halted after supporters in the Tribune Loire section launched flares onto the pitch and invaded the playing surface. Security forces positioned nearby were caught off guard by the rapid escalation of violence.

Vahid Halilhodzic, 74, coaching what would be his final match before retirement, remained pitchside while his players were sent to the dressing rooms. The legendary coach, visibly distressed, attempted to confront the pitch invaders before being restrained by stewards. Just minutes earlier, he had been warmly greeted by Nantes ultras who formed a guard of honour in his honour, leaving him visibly moved.

As tensions rose, some Nantes players were seen urging family members to leave the stadium immediately. After roughly ten minutes of clashes, riot police attempted to enter the Tribune Loire section but were repelled by masked leaders in violent exchanges. Seats were ripped from the stands and hurled at security forces while the rest of the stadium watched in stunned silence.

The match referee, Stéphanie Frappart, took decisive action by suspending play almost immediately. When Halilhodzic later returned to the touchline, he proposed going to speak with fans, only to be warned: “It’s too dangerous, they’re fighting among themselves.” to which he replied: “But what are they going to do?”

A crisis meeting involving Ligue 1 officials and local authorities was convened shortly after. As of 21:45 local time, play had not resumed and indications suggested the match would be abandoned permanently.