Soccer

Lyon players attacked by fans in Bastia

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Smoke from something thrown onto the pitch as Lyon's Corentin Tolisso, center, celebrates scoring a goal during the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Lyon and Besiktas, in Decines, near Lyon, central France, Thursday, April 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) (The Associated Press)

Hinchas invaden la cancha, minutos antes de el encuentro de ida de los cuartos de final en la Liga Europa, entre el Lyon local y el Besiktas de Turquía, el jueves 13 de abril de 2017 (AP Foto/Laurent Cipriani) (The Associated Press)

Fan violence has delayed the Bastia-Lyon kickoff in the French league on Sunday after local fans invaded the pitch and attacked the players.

About 15 minutes before the end of warmup at Armand Cesari stadium, supporters from the Bastia 1905 group of fans invaded the pitch and jostled with Lyon players.

Players from both teams went back to their changing rooms before calm was restored.

It was unclear whether the match would be played on Sunday or postponed to a later date.

It was the second time this week that a Lyon game was marred by fan violence. Lyon is facing likely sanctions from UEFA after crowd disorder delayed its Europa League quarterfinal against Besiktas midweek.