Match official hurt during Metz friendly melee

Assistant referee Mathilde Demoncay was injured during a friendly between Metz and Fortuna Sittard after a player confrontation escalated and she was knocked to the turf while stepping in. Metz went on to win the match 3-1.

The incident came in the 40th minute, after an initial dispute between two players drew others into the confrontation. Officials, security staff and medical personnel entered the pitch as Demoncay was assessed and order was restored.

Demoncay, 26, was able to continue briefly after the restart, but she did not return for the second half and another assistant referee took over. The source report says she reportedly suffered a concussion, though that medical detail should be treated cautiously without a separate official confirmation.

For editors, the central issue is less the friendly result than the protection of match officials in moments when player confrontations spill beyond normal disciplinary control.