We’re not sure when the whole thing started precisely, but by now, it’s rather obvious that pitch invasions have become a genuine habit across Europe. For all sorts of reasons, too, because it’s impossible to say they are inspired only by those massive wins, promotions, titles and etc.Auxerre replace Saint Etienne in the French top-tier, home fans cause chaos after the defeatFor instance, you’ve probably seen what happened on Sunday night at Saint-Etienne, where the former ten-time French champions lost to Auxerre in the Ligue 1 playoffs and got relegated. The home fans immediately invaded the pitch and caused havoc and some disturbing scenes with flares and other similar props. I’m watching this unfold on TV. Wild scenes as the saint etienne fans launch flares and explosives at their own team after getting relegated: pic.twitter.com/aifGXoI6ee— Matt 🐝 (@3amWaffleHouse) May 29, 2022 Riot police were subsequently brought in to disperse the crowd, with the fire brigade also called in after fans attempted to set seats alight in the stands. The footage of this violent pitch invasion went viral and caused disbelief around the world.But it needs to be said, this was anything but the first time in the last couple of weeks that we witnessed those incidents. It was the same at Goodison Park when Everton put their hands on the Premier League safety card, and Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira had to deal with ecstatic rival fans. You ain’t messing with a petrified fella: Vieira kicks an Everton fan during a celebratory pitch invasionManchester City supporters did basically at the Etihad the same after Pep’s slot defended the EPL crown in that dramatic final minutes of the season. Only it was non-violent that time, to be honest. And we could go on like that the entire day…PEP WINS IT! Gundogan’s brace pushes City from the brink of the inferno to the Premier League title!Moreover, in France, there’s a concerning rise in hooliganism-related issues. Politely speaking, fans’ misbehaviour is becoming a regular habit, as Olympique Marseille, Olympique Lyon, RC Lens, Bordeaux and many other clubs suffer due to violence caused by their ultras.YOU’RE SH*T! Bordeaux fans produce a toxic atmosphere as their team plunges into League 2Galtier furious at his supporters: ‘If you want to insult the dead, stay at home’Arrests, long farts and Champions League battle – just a regular Ligue 1 week
