Fights

Montpellier defeated Nimes 3-0 on Sunday to go second in Ligue 1 (although PSG is already nine points clear after only eight matches), but the clash between the local rivals was marred by a series of incidents that brought the match to a standstill at Stade de la Mosson. 

After Montpellier’s second goal in the 29th minute, the metal gate separating the home side supporters from the pitch collapsed during the celebrations, sending fans flying onto the pitch and resulting in a few light injuries. The match had to be stopped at this point. 

I don’t know how we got here.

I mean, there’s no denying the popularity of eSports games like Overwatch, Dota 2 and League of Legends, but a Swiss league match between Young Boys and FC Basel was halted in the 16th minute yesterday while fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch, a PS4 controller (damn, that’s like $50) and unfurled massive banners in protest of eSports . . . things have escalated so quickly.

In the 65th minute of tonight’s “friendly” between the USMNT and Mexico in Nashville, U.S. defender Matt Miazga triggered six minutes of absolute bedlam after finally getting the better of 18-year-old Mexican phenom Diego Lainez. The diminutive (5 ft 5.5 in) Club America winger was probably the highlight of an otherwise tame first half.

He absolutely diced U.S. captain Wil Trapp and feasted on him at one point. It was frightening.  

36' ¡Dieeeeego Lainez volvió locos a todos!

The Chinese Super League was home to some despicable scenes yesterday as Shanghai Shenhua striker Demba Ba was reportedly subject to racist abuse from Changchun Yatai midfielder Zhang Li. The former Newcastle United and Chelsea striker could be seen confronting Li in the 77th minute while Yatai striker Odion Ighalo — who spent three seasons in England with Watford — restrained him.

Following Belgium’s 1-0 defeat to France in the semifinals of the World Cup, defeated Red Devils stars Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois immediately began throwing shade at Les Bleus.