A spectre is haunting Europe - the spectre of pitch invasion

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 defeat

For 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.

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 invasion

Manchester 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...

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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.

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