After chaos has caused numerous matches to be abandoned of late – Serbia versus Albania due to a drone scare, Denfensor Bolivar faking injury versus La Bocana, and Deportivo Roca versus Cipolletti ending in 12 red cards – we thought we would take a look at some other notable international matches to be abandoned in the past.
Italy Versus Serbia 2010
It’s only fitting that we start with the country that caused a recent match abandonment. The Serbs have been here before – specifically, four years ago when they took on Italy in Genoa. Apparently the Serbians had planned the riots ahead of time, which included flares and fireworks thrown onto the pitch and at Italian supporters. There was also some ruckus outside of the stadium which only added to the referee’s decision to abandon the match. Italy was awarded a 3-0 victory. Excuse the intense music in the video below.
Ireland Versus England 1995
This match abandonment was during a friendly in Ireland after the Irish took the lead early on. 20 people were sent to the hospital while 40 more were arrested as English fans broke up wooden seats and used them as weapons to attack Irish fans and police. There was a warning that a British neo-Nazi group would disrupt the match, but the authorities in Dublin ignored them.
France Versus Algeria 2001
Algerian fans flooded Stade de France in what was supposed to be a gathering of friendship between the two nations. But in the countries' first meeting since the independence of Algeria from France in 1962, the Algerians caused a scene similar to Serbia Albania scene a week ago. One Algerian fan ran onto the pitch with a flag and was followed by bunches of other fans. The referee decided to abandon the match as the police brought order back to the stadium. Unless you want to watch the full match highlights, the chaos starts around the 7:45 mark.
Senegal Versus Ivory Coast 2012
During an African Cup of Nations qualifying match, Ivory Coast players and supporters where told to convene in the middle of the field as Senegal fans lit fires in the stands and threw objects onto the pitch. The Senegal fans were attacking the Ivory Coast fans, which caused police to throw tear gas into the stands. The match was abandoned as the stands emptied and cars were brought onto the pitch to escort Ivorian fans out safely.
