Nantes supporters invade the lawn after the victory of the Canaries against Monaco (2-2, 4-2 on pens) in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France, on March 2, 2022 at the Stade de La BeaujoireLOIC VENANCE
Thousands of supporters invaded the field just after Nantes’ victory in the Coupe de France semi-final on Wednesday on penalties against Monaco (2-2, 4-2 on pens).
In a good-natured atmosphere, the supporters rushed to the players to congratulate them by dancing and singing “we are in the final”.
“It was madness, everywhere, it came from left and right, it’s nice. I had already seen (moments like that) on TV, on video, but in real life, never. It’s the best game of my life” said Nantes striker Randal Kolo Muani.
“I lost sight of all my partners, I tried to find them little by little. But such communion with the public, it was exceptional”, added Rémy Descamps, the Nantes goalkeeper hero of the day since he stopped the attempt of Wissam Ben Yedder, the first Monegasque shooter.
“I have rarely seen that and felt that, these are moments that we will not forget”, was moved Ludovic Blas, Nantes captain for the French Cup campaign, who laughingly recounted having “pushed a little everyone to pass” with several teammates.
Quickly, the stewards created a separate space for the players at the entrance to the changing rooms.
And after a few minutes, the announcer asked the supporters to return to their stands to go out calmly “paying particular attention to the children”.
The announcer had already intervened during the match, when a smoke bomb launched from the stands landed in front of the goal of Nantes goalkeeper Rémy Descamps.
Referee Benoît Bastien went to the edge of the field to speak with officials and the stadium announcer warned that in the event of another throw, the match would be definitively stopped.
