Saint-Étienne Announces a Jet of Projectile against the Arbitre Assistant at the Derby Against Lyon

A serious incident marked the end of the first period of the derby between the AS Saint-Étienne and the Olympique Lyonnais, on Sunday 20 April 2025 at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium. A projectile, probably a coin, was launched, injuring the assistant referee, Mehdi Rahmouni, leading to a break of more than 40 minutes from the game.

Following this event, AS Saint-Étienne immediately took steps to identify the author of the jet. Thanks to the video surveillance images, the individual was arrested at the exit of the stadium. He was taken into custody and a complaint was filed by the Liberian club on Monday.

The French Football Federation (FFF) reacted firmly, condemning the intolerable aggression suffered by Mehdi Rahmouni following a second attack of this kind on the weekend, after the attack on the occasion of Quevilly Rouen Métropole - FC Rouen, in the National. The FFF expresses its solidarity with the referee and calls on all football players to behave ethically and responsibly.

The Stéphanois leadership, keen to defend the club’s image and ensure security in its stands, promises exemplary internal sanctions. The Saint-Étienne League strongly condemns this isolated act and reaffirms its commitment against all forms of violence, and intends to work closely with the authorities, sports authorities and its supporters to prevent any recurrence.

Although the match was marked by a win over Lyon (2-1), the club wants this incident to serve as a strong signal against overflows. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) will now have to decide on possible disciplinary sanctions, while Saint-Étienne hopes that his reactivity will play in his favour.