Referee Mathilde Demoncaille suffered a strange injury during a friendly between Metz and Fortuna Sittard on Saturday. The Frenchwoman was hit hard in a fight just before the break and did not return after the break. Meanwhile, Fortuna lost 3–1.
Fortuna played their fourth pre-season friendly on French soil and lost to Metz. Justin Huebner scored the only goal for the visitors.
Lorraine Republican reported that the meeting was “heated at times” and not at all friendly. Shortly before the half-time whistle, passions finally flared up.
Fortuna striker Lequinsio Zeefuik tugged at his shirt and reacted furiously. Several Mets players then intervened and a fight began.
When Demonkay tried to separate the players, she got into an altercation. The referee fell heavily and was unable to continue the game.
French media reported that Demonkay suffered a concussion as a result of the incident. In the second half, one of her assistant referees took her place on the field.
By chance, an amateur referee found himself in the crowd as a spectator and, after consultation, was able to appear as an assistant referee.
Fortuna will finish the pre-season campaign at home to APOEL Nicosia next Friday. Two weeks later they open the new VriendenLoterij Eredivisie season with a tough away trip to champions PSV.