Mathilde Demoncay concussion follows scuffle in Metz friendly
Referee Mathilde Demoncay could not finish a France preseason friendly after being knocked down during a confrontation between players.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Mathilde Demoncay concussion in a preseason football friendly in France has drawn attention after the referee was knocked down while trying to stop a confrontation between male players, Reuters reported. The incident mattered because Demoncay could not finish her officiating role in a match between Metz and Fortuna Sittard.
Local media reports cited by Reuters said Demoncay was refereeing the friendly on Saturday at Schlossberg Stadium in Forbach, eastern France. Metz, a French club, and Fortuna Sittard, from the Netherlands, were using the match as preparation for their new seasons.
What happened to Mathilde Demoncay?
The confrontation began in the 40th minute after a shirt-pulling incident between two players from opposing teams, according to Reuters. More players then moved into the dispute, and Demoncay tried to step in.
Video circulating on social media showed Demoncay being knocked amid the group of players and falling hard to the pitch, Reuters reported. The scuffle took place near a large sign that read: “Respect the referee.”
Demoncay stayed down for several minutes and held her arm while assistant referees, security staff and medical personnel came onto the field. They worked to calm the situation and check on her condition, according to Reuters.
Although Demoncay initially returned after play resumed, she did so as an assistant referee rather than continuing in the central role. Reuters reported that she left the field at half-time, and another assistant referee took over her duties.
How did the clubs describe the incident?
Fortuna Sittard noted the episode in a match report on its website, describing it as a “remarkable moment,” Reuters reported. The Dutch club, which lost the match 3-1, did not offer further comment in that report.
Metz did not include a report of the incident on its website, according to Reuters. No additional club statement on Demoncay’s condition was reported.
Reuters reported that Demoncay, 26, suffered a concussion. A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow or jolt that disrupts normal brain function; symptoms can require a person to stop activity and undergo medical assessment.
The incident occurred during a friendly rather than a competitive league match, but it added scrutiny because the referee was hurt while intervening in player conduct. The available reports did not state whether any players faced disciplinary action after the confrontation.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.