Lyon vs Besiktas delayed after 'projectiles and firecrackers' cause fans to run onto the pitch for safety
The game kicked off 45 minutes late because of the incident
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lyon’s Europa League quarter-final first leg with Besiktas was delayed by 45 minutes on Thursday night after fans ran onto the pitch to protect themselves from the throwing of firecrackers and projectiles.
As the two sets of players emerged and the Parc OL to warm up, missiles came reigning from the upper tiers of the stands onto supporters who had to vault the advertising boardings to protect themselves, causing an unexpected postponement in France.
The match was due to kick-off at 8.05pm BST but Uefa confirmed “crowd disturbances” meant the match could not begin for another 45 minutes.
With an image of supporters entering the field of play, Lyon posted a tweet reading: “Projectiles and firecrackers thrown from the tops of the stands have forced fans to take refuge on the pitch.”
The incident comes only two days after Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League game with Monaco was suspended for 24 hours after three explosions near the team bus on the way to the stadium.
One of the explosions caused the glass of the team bus to shatter, leaving Spanish defender Marc Bartra needing surgery on his arm, leaving him unable to play for four weeks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments