Clermont keeper Mory Diaw stunned by firework as Montpellier clash is abandoned

Montpellier’s home Ligue 1 game against Clermont was abandoned in stoppage time after visiting goalkeeper Mory Diaw was stunned by a firework.

The home side were leading 4-2 when a firecracker was thrown from the stands and landed and exploded near Diaw as he prepared to take a goal-kick, leaving the Clermont player needing on-field treatment.

He was later carried off the field on a stretcher before it was announced the game was called off.

A brief statement on Montpellier’s website read: “While the HSMC was heading towards a 4-2 victory against Clermont, the meeting… between Montpellier and Clermontois was suspended in added time after the explosion of a firecracker near the Auvergen goalkeeper, Mory Diaw.”

Ligue 1 simply said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Montpellier x Clermont is suspended until further notice.”

Montpellier, seventh in Ligue 1, were heading towards victory as the game entered time added on, despite the 54th-minute dismissal of defender Maxime Esteve for two yellow-card offences.

Bottom club Clermont, without a win this season, twice equalised through Yohann Magnin and Cheick Konate after Musa Al-Taamari and Teji Savanier’s penalty had put Montpellier ahead.

Savanier, with a second penalty, and Al-Taamari both scored again as Montpellier took a two-goal lead.