Fans throw smoke bombs on the pitch as Montpellier v Nantes are briefly suspended

2023-01-16 11:37

Fans throw smoke bombs on the pitch as Montpellier v Nantes are briefly suspended

After Littlehampton's Isthmian League southeast division clash was overshadowed for months by trouble and reports of abuse against players , there were more flare-ups at the return game at Whitehawk on January 14 . point.


The White Eagles first issued a statement condemning some Littlehampton Town fans for setting off firecrackers and smoke bombs, then came to the pitch and accused them of homophobic abuse - but Littlehampton responded with a statement of their own, emphasizing A Littlehampton official was reportedly hit by a missile hurled by an Eagles fan.

The game ended 3-1 at Littlehampton with a man sent off on both sides.

First, after the game, the White Eagles issued a statement saying: "The White Eagles are saddened by the behavior of some Littlehampton Town fans during today's game and would like to apologize to our own supporters for what happened.

" Despite our precautions, the game was marred by firecrackers, smoke bombs, flares, homophobic slurs, smashed chairs and fans entering the field. " We want to make it clear that there was no There is no place for violence, bigotry and threatening behaviour, and we are telling the opposition what happened.

Littlehampton Town later released their own statement, which said: " Littlehampton Town Football Club is disappointed by a number of incidents involving supporters from both sides during the White Eagles game this afternoon.

" We are very disappointed by the use of smoke bombs and firecrackers, as we have previously made clear that the use of smoke bombs and firecrackers in football stadiums is unacceptable and illegal.

" We witnessed a missile thrown by a White Eagles supporter hit a Littlehampton Town Council member. In addition, some White Eagles fans entered the field during the game and clashed with our supporters, thus defuse the situation.

Security officers have spoken to Sussex Police about the incidents and will continue to do so in the coming days. Over the next few days there will also be conversations with the White Eagles FC regarding the events of yesterday.

Goals from Liam Hendy, Lucas Patindon and George Gaskin on the pitch earned points for Littlehampton , who had Scott Parker sent off. The Whitehawks' goal came from Luke Robinson , while Nathan Cooper was sent off.