Lille CEO calls for answers after fans are seriously injured in Amiens stadium barrier collapse

AFP/Getty Images
Tom Doyle30 September 2017

The CEO of Lille has demanded answers after their Ligue 1 clash with Amiens was abandoned following a stadium barrier collapse which seriously injured three supporters.

Lille confirmed via Twitter after the game that there were three serious injuries and 20 casualties in total at Amiens' Stade de la Licorne.

A barrier at the front of the stand housing away supporters collapsed as fans celebrated a goal by Lille's Fode Ballo Toure, just 15 minutes into Saturday night's league encounter.

When the Lille supporters surged to the front of the stand to celebrate their goal, the barrier at ground level collapsed, causing a crush and many to lose their footing.

Referee Thomas Leonard immediately halted proceedings and sent the two teams back to the changing rooms, as the emergency services started to tend to the injured.

In Pictures | Amiens vs Lille | 30/09/2017

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After a lengthy delay the match was abandoned, as emergency services personnel tended to the injured supporters.

The president of Amiens, Bernard Joanni, later claimed that the incident was the result of Lille fans trying to get onto the pitch.

AFP/Getty Images

But Lille CEO Marc Ingla took to Twitter after the events, responding: "LOSC has the right to ask about the reception conditions and security proposed for our supporters by the Club and the stadium of Amiens.

"LOSC wishes that the reasons for this accident are quickly identified, for the supporters and the victims and so that this can never happen again.

"The statements by the president of Amiens seem irresponsible and unworthy in this dramatic context.

"Our supporters are impeccable and professional football requires the best organisation.

"It is hoped that the LFP identifies the reasons."

AFP/Getty Images

A statement from Amiens later added: "The club and all of its leaders wants to express solidarity with the injured Lille fans and their families, with their health paramount."

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