Flares at kickoff spark fresh disciplinary threat for FC Nantes

The Brigade Loire erupted at the kickoff of FC Nantes' home game against Stade de Reims, setting off several flares as the match began at the Beaujoire. The fixture, the eighth round of Ligue 2, ended in a 0‑0 stalemate.

Three‑match home ban imposed

The flare incident follows a series of disturbances on 17 May when Nantes faced Toulouse. That encounter triggered a match behind closed doors and forced the closure of the Loire stand for two subsequent games.

As punishment, the Brigade Loire was barred from the first three home matches of the current season. Nantes played Red Star (0‑1), Rodez (2‑5) and Nancy (1‑0) without any supporters present.

Potential new penalty under LFP rules

After serving the ban, the main supporters group returned to the Beaujoire on Saturday for the Reims game. They unfurled a massive tifo at the players' entrance, launched flares at the whistle and chanted throughout, also displaying a banner opposing a proposed takeover of FC Nantes by Paulo Tavares.

The use of flares is prohibited in stadiums except for authorised devices, exposing the club to a fresh disciplinary penalty. The LFP could impose a fine, or order a partial or total closure of the Loire stand.

A disciplinary commission of the Ligue de Football Professionnel convened on Wednesday to review recent incidents across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, with the Nantes case on its agenda.

If the flares at the Reims match are deemed a breach, FC Nantes may face sanctions only days after the supporters' return, adding pressure on the club amid ongoing opposition to the Tavares acquisition.