On May 30, 2022, Saint-Etienne, one of France's biggest clubs, suffered a devastating relegation from Ligue 1 after losing a penalty shootout to Auxerre in their play-off match.
The defeat marked the end of a nightmarish season for the 10-time French champions, who are now facing serious financial difficulties as they return to Ligue 2 for the first time since gaining promotion in 2004.
As the final penalty was converted by Auxerre's Birama Toure, Saint-Etienne fans invaded the pitch, throwing flares towards the official stand. The players of both teams took refuge in the changing rooms, but Prime Video footage showed players, stewards, and staff coughing from tear gas used by the police to disperse the invaders.
The game was played with one stand closed following incidents during the match against Monaco at the end of April, and this was not the first time Saint-Etienne had been sanctioned for the behavior of its supporters this season.
