Supporter detained for hurling object at assistant referee during St Etienne vs Lyon clash

A man has been taken into custody following an incident where an assistant referee was struck by an object thrown from the stands during St Etienne’s 2-1 victory over Lyon in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

The incident occurred in the 44th minute as Lyon prepared to take a throw-in, with the match official seen placing a hand on his head after being hit by what appeared to be a coin, according to reports from L’Equipe.

The medical staff for Lyon attended to the assistant referee, and subsequently, both players and officials made their way off the field.

The match was paused for approximately 40 minutes.

“In response to information provided by the club and in coordination with the authorities, the individual was detained as he exited the stadium and is currently in police custody,” the host club St Etienne stated in their announcement.

“Saint-Etienne intends to lodge a formal complaint against him tomorrow. The club will also impose its strictest penalties to ensure that this isolated incident does not go unaddressed.”