The Ligue 2 match between Rodez and Saint-Étienne on August 12, 2023, was delayed because of violent clashes between the supporters of both teams. The incident occurred outside the Stade Paul Lignon in Rodez, where hundreds of fans gathered before the game. According to reports, some Saint-Étienne fans provoked the local fans by throwing bottles and stones at them, which led to a brawl that involved fists and kicks.
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The match was already delayed because of concerns with the technology used by five minutes. The two teams were warming up on the pitch when the fight started and had to return to the locker room as CRS were posted near the Greens fans. Earlier, the prefecture of Aveyron published a prefectural decree authorizing the movement of ASSE supporters on Saturday to Rodez, but only in the parking lot reserved for them.
Those who have taken place in the other stands were prohibited from wearing green. They referred to multiple incidents from earlier years where the St. Etienne fans had caused brawls outside or inside the stadiums. This could have angered the fans further, which could have led to this brawl.
