Female Referee Injured in Friendly Match Melee

During a friendly match between French club Metz and Fortuna Sittard of the Netherlands, female referee Mathilde Demoncay was injured after being knocked to the ground while trying to intervene in a melee between players. The incident occurred in the 40th minute when two opposing players confronted each other following a shirt-tugging incident, leading to a larger confrontation.

Demoncay fell heavily while attempting to restore order and remained on the pitch for several minutes, holding her arm. Assistant referees, security personnel, and medical staff attended to her.

After play resumed, the 26-year-old Demoncay continued as the assistant referee but left the field at half-time, with another assistant taking over her duties. The match concluded with Metz winning 3-1.