Fans riot after shock Saint-Etienne relegation
Saint-Etienne, one of France's most decorated clubs has suffered a shock relegation after losing the second leg of its play-off final to Auxerre via penalty shootout.
Saint-Etienne will be in Ligue 2 for the first time since 2004 after the 10-time Ligue 1 champion was edged by Auxerre, which returns to the top flight for the first time in a decade.
The shock result prompted frightening scenes at full-time, as rioting Saint-Etienne fans stormed the pitch and clashed with police.
Auxerre claimed a 1-1 draw in the first leg, leaving the tie in the balance heading into the second leg in Saint-Etienne.
The away side took the lead through Hamza Sakhi in the 51st minute, before Mahdi Camara equalised for Saint-Etienne with 15 minutes remaining to force the match into extra-time.
The score remained at 1-1 after 120 minutes, and in penalties, Auxerre held its nerve, winning the shootout 5-4 to claim the final place in Ligue 1 next season.
Rioting Saint-Etienne fans were livid at full-time, damaging the stadium and clashing with police, with tear gas used to contain the crowd.
