METZ, France — Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes was taken to the hospital feeling dizzy on Saturday after firecrackers were thrown during a French league game at Metz, which was later abandoned.
The match was suspended after 30 minutes when Metz fans threw projectiles toward the Portuguese goalkeeper.
A first firecracker exploded next to Lopes, who was attended by teammates and members of Lyon’s medical staff. Another went off close to his feet as he lay on the pitch. The teams left the field and the match was later called off.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said Lopes had complained about head pain after the first explosion left him dizzy.
"This is an extremely rare and serious situation," Aulas said, adding that the club’s doctor had been hurt too.
Metz was leading 1-0 with a goal moments before the game was brought to a halt.
The French league submitted the case to its disciplinary commission, warning that it will be "inflexible" in dealing with the issue.
