European roundup: Fans storm pitch after Auxerre win promotion playoff

Auxerre returned to Ligue 1 after 10 years away, winning a playoff with St Étienne that ended in rancorous, violent scenes when fans of the relegated team stormed the field.

After a draw in the first leg, Auxerre won on penalties at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium before a cauldron-like atmosphere gave way to chaos. Following a goalless first half, Hamza Sakhi opened the scoring for Auxerre with a header.

Madhi Camara levelled for St Étienne following a corner taken by Enzo Crivelli. Physically fresher, the Greens were the better team at the end of the 90 minutes and in extra time but eventually fell foul of spot-kicks.

On penalties, Ryad Boudebouz, the first St Étienne taker saw his effort saved by Donovan Leon while the Auxerrois were perfect with all their kicks. Birama Touré, the Auxerre captain, scored the winning penalty, and that immediately set off an invasion of the pitch by furious supporters. Smoke bombs, firecrackers and fireworks were thrown and players quickly had to be escorted to the dressing room, making their escape as fans piled on to the pitch. Flares were also launched down the tunnel as smoke filled the air.

RMC Sport reported that teargas was also thrown and that journalists and cameramen were struggling to deal with the smoke bombs let off. St Étienne were relegated alongside Bordeaux and Metz to Ligue 2, ending a run of 18 seasons in the top flight.

Envahissement du terrain au stade Geoffroy-Guichard. #ASSE #ASSEAJA pic.twitter.com/N7pX2NVrhj

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