'Traumatised' goalkeeper stretchered off after firework explodes during Ligue 1 match

Clermont Foot goalkeeper Mory Diaw had to be stretchered off after a firework exploded during a Ligue 1 match against Montpellier.

The match has been abandoned following the incident, with Montpellier leading 4-2 going into second-half stoppage time.

Clermont Foot shot-stopper Diaw was seen calling for the ball to take a goal-kick at the end of the game, before spotting a firework on the ground in front of him and moving out of its way.

The firework then went off and shocked Diaw, who fell to the ground.

Startled by the explosion, Diaw remained on the ground for an extended period of time before eventually being stretchered off the pitch, still clearly distressed by the incident.

When his concerned Clermont team-mates crowded around him, left-back Neto Borges appeared to raise his middle finger to the stand of Montpellier supporters where the firework originated from, though he was sent off for his gesture.

Thankfully, the fan who threw the firecracker was reportedly been identified by security, but Diaw was been left "extremely traumatised", according to Clermont's club doctor.

Referee Florent Batta told media at the stadium (quotes via BBC Sport): "The doctor who examined the Clermont goalkeeper certified that he was not in a condition to return to the field.

"The match is therefore halted indefinitely."

The match did not restart, and it is unclear when the final portion of the fixture will be played.

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Clermont fans will be hoping that their first-choice goalkeeper is fine following the incident, as Diaw played an important role in the club's surprise eighth place finish in Ligue 1 last season, having only just avoided relegation in the 2021/22 season.

There is currently no news on when or if there will be a replay of this game, but Ligue 1 will return in two weeks time, where Clermont Foot will face off against Lyon away from home.