Tensions between Saint-Étienne players and fans after 2-1 defeat at Rodez | OneFootball

Tempers flared between Saint-Étienne’s players and their travelling supporters following a 2-1 defeat at Rodez on Saturday night.

According to L'Équipe, the post-match scene was highly charged, coming on the back of losses at Bastia (0-2) and at home to Troyes (0-3).

Despite the result, the players approached the away end to acknowledge the fans. Hostility was evident and tensions rose quickly, with several players angered by remarks from the stands.

It almost escalated into confrontation with ultras. Head coach Philippe Montanier was close to losing his temper and was held back by two players, including Maxime Bernauer, before calm was restored.

Back inside, Montanier bristled at criticism aimed at his squad. He said he understood the anger but stressed repeatedly that his players had not cheated. He accepted they were poor and depleted, with 10 or 11 injured, said technical errors were hard to explain, and urged the team to be stronger, adding that on the night the supporters were better than the team.

Source: L'Équipe