At the end of a match marked by a game interruption of more than half an hour, less than ten minutes before the end due to delays and smoke bombs thrown on the field, Amiens SC lost to Montpellier (0-2).
Shameful. The match was stopped by the referee due to the throwing of smoke bombs on the field. There were exactly six minutes left to play in this last chance match for Amiens SC against Montpellier. Montpellier was on track for a victory as they were leading from the beginning, but then smoke bombs and flares exploded in front of Montpellier’s goalkeeper. The referee stopped the match and sent both teams to the locker room, while stewards positioned themselves in front of the North stands. This incident will surely have consequences, including for next season, as the sanctions could be very heavy. In our career, it is the first time we witnessed such a spectacle on the same day when we celebrated the courage of Australian soldiers during World War I.
For this second-to-last match at the Licorne stadium, the people of Amiens had to win against Montpellier, who still had a slim chance of finishing in the top 5. The match was dedicated to the memory of World War I, where many Australian soldiers died fighting against the German army. This was a memory that ASC wanted to honor, but the current situation was clear: before kick-off, Thomas Monconduit’s teammates were last in the rankings. Alain Pochat had included Lutin in his team after two weeks of penitence, but the surprise was seeing Bakayoko on the bench for the first time; however, Lo held his place. In Montpellier, Novaes Macedo, the goalkeeping coach, returned to the stadium where he had played for ASC fifteen years ago.
The match started with a ceremonial kick-off performed by the Australian Ambassador to France, and ASC players wore a special jersey in honor of Anzac Day. They were accompanied by the Prefect of Somme and Bernard Joannin. The crowd cheered on Monconduit’s teammates as they posed a threat on the flanks with Averlant and Leautey, the two wing-backs of the team. The game was pleasant, and the first chance was for Mendy, but he didn’t surprise Sauvage (12th minute). The response came quickly, and Ntamack’s shot was deflected for a corner (14th minute). However, Montpellier found the opening goal through a strike from young Gueguin, who was quicker than ASC defenders in the box, converting a right-wing cross (1-0, 18th minute). This was a blow for Amiens, especially after Lo sustained an injury from a contact with an opponent. He continued, and Amiens threatened twice through Kaaboue, with a shot deflected for a corner and another saved by the goalkeeper (37th, 38th minute).
Throughout the first half, Amiens did not lack effort but lacked the final touch. Despite five minutes of stoppage time, Amiens could not equalize, and at halftime, as they went back to the locker rooms, the fans directed their frustration toward the club. Just before the restart, Thomas Monconduit gathered his team and delivered a message to his teammates, while the fans encouraged their players. Mendy missed a clear chance as he struck wide after Sauvage had parried a shot (47th minute). Four minutes later, Ntamack was also wasteful in front of goal. Then, Hamache hit the post (53rd minute). It felt like the match could go either way. For example, when Leautey crossed from the right and Averlant’s finish went over the bar (60th minute). Averlant had another chance shortly after but the goalkeeper made the save (65th minute). Louis and Lutin entered the game after Sauvage’s risky attempt. As the minutes passed, the atmosphere at the Licorne stadium became heated as the fans cheered on their players, who fought for every ball. However, Montpellier remained dangerous on the counter, and Sauvage saved his team late in the match. In the 84th minute, smoke bombs exploded in the penalty area of Simon Ngapandouentnbu, leading the referee to halt the match, send the players to the locker rooms, while the North stand supporters chanted “Come on Amiens” and “We’re at home” and demanded the resignation of Bernard Joannin, the increasingly vulnerable president. After more than half an hour of interruption, the twenty-two players returned to the field, and ultimately, Nathanael Mbuku sealed the win in a tense atmosphere. The threat of relegation loomed more than ever over Amiens.
Ligue 2, 32nd matchday Amiens SC – Montpellier: 0-2 (0-1)
Referee Mr. Remy Landry Attendance: 9600 spectators
Goals: Gueguin 18th, Mbuku 88th for Montpellier
Amiens SC: Sauvage – Lo, then Bakayoko 79th Chabane, Monconduit, Kaaboue then Alvero 79th, Fofana, Hamache, Averlant then Louis 68th, Leautey, Ntamack. Kandil then Louis 68th Coach: Alain Pochat
Montpellier Herault: Ngapandouentnbu – Laporte, Sainte Luce, Mouanga, Tchato – Gueguin then Jullien 76th, Chennahi, Pereira Da Silva, Molebe then Issoufou 62nd, Pays then Mbuku 76th, Mendy Coach: Zoumana Camara
Lionel Herbet Photo credit: Léandre Leber – Gazettesports.fr
