On 30 October, ASSE won a decisive 1–0 victory against FCNantes, thanks to a goal from Augustine Boakye in the 89th minute. But the celebration of the 35th anniversary of MagicFans quickly turned into a nightmare for the Saint-Etienne management. A gigantic fireworks display and numerous smoke bombs erupted in the KopNord, causing the match to be interrupted and raising serious security questions.
ASSE officials, represented by KilmerSportsVentures, have opened an internal investigation to understand how so many pyrotechnic devices were able to enter the stadium despite the security checks already planned. Security meetings before the match, which reiterated the strict ban on pyrotechnics, did not prevent the incident. Referee GaëlAngoula had to suspend the game at the start of added time, and the club is now worried about possible disciplinary sanctions from the LFP.
Management also chose to remain silent on its social networks regarding the pyrotechnic entertainment, relaying neither photos nor videos of the scene. An internal source clarified that “knowing the existence of a risk does not mean authorizing or condoning it”, a clear message intended for supporter groups. The club wishes to protect its sporting and financial interests while recognizing the importance of popular support.
The consequences could be serious. ASSE has already experienced pyrotechnic incidents this season, leading to the partial closure of two clubs against Clermont and Grenoble. The LFP disciplinary committee will examine the facts recorded by the LFP delegate, and a new closure of the KopNord would not be ruled out. This would represent a hard blow for IanCathro's team, whose atmosphere at the Cauldron is a major asset in the quest for the top of Ligue2.
Thus, the victory against Nantes, the 35th anniversary of MagicFans and the threat of a sanction transformed euphoria into concern for ASSE. The club is now awaiting the conclusions of the internal investigation and the decisions of the disciplinary committee, while seeking to preserve the atmosphere which has made its stadium a fortress this season.