Lyon v Rennes halted after racist banner targeting Saint-Etienne

Lyon’s Ligue 1 match against Rennes was temporarily suspended in the 36th minute after a banner containing racist content was displayed in the north stand.

The matchday five fixture had been going Lyon’s way, with Ernest Nuamah scoring twice during a strong opening for the hosts. However, play was stopped after the stadium announcer issued two warnings over the banner and chants aimed at Saint-Etienne.

The banner, which had been put up before kick-off, carried the phrase “Saint-Etienne, fuck…” in Spanish. It remained visible throughout the first half.

Saint-Etienne are regarded as Lyon’s main rivals, and the message was directed at the club, which has a long-standing rivalry with Lyon.

Despite a first warning from the announcer, followed by a second, the racist chants continued. After being informed of the situation by the match delegate, referee Mathieu Vernice ordered the players to leave the pitch and return to their dressing rooms.

Rennes’ players went straight inside, while Lyon’s squad initially remained on the field. Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca and midfielder Corentin Tolisso went over to speak to supporters in an attempt to calm the situation.

Lyon officials Matthieu Louis-Jean and Michael Gerlinger also went to the area where the incident had taken place to establish what was happening. The banner was removed from the stand shortly afterwards.

Lyon’s players then made a brief visit to their dressing room before returning to the pitch. Following a 15-minute interruption, the game resumed in the 36th minute after the players completed a short warm-up to reactivate their muscles.

RMC Sport reported that the incident came after Lyon had made a strong start, with Nuamah’s two goals putting the home side in control before the suspension.