Ligue 2’s top scorer, Metz’s Georges Mikautadze, continued his impressive run of form on Saturday as Les Grenats saw off a resurgent Saint-Étienne at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, in a match that was briefly interrupted by clashes in the stands.
The Franco-Georgian forward scored twice – taking his overall tally for the season to 19 so far – as the visitors went 3-0 up within the opening half hour. Mikautadze had celebrated his first goal by making a “69” sign with his hands – a reference to the department number of the city of Lyon, Les Verts‘ arch rivals and where the forward himself is from.
As reported by RMC, tensions in the stands would erupt when a Metz supporter – wearing a Mikautadze shirt – would celebrate the goal. A local decree had banned away fans from travelling to the game, and as a result the individual was taken away by stewards. The referee had sent the players back into the dressing room during the incidents, with play restarting after less than ten minutes. Speaking to beIN Sports at half-time, Mikautadze discussed his celebration:
“I’m from Lyon, that’s why. Was it a good idea? I don’t know, but I’m from Lyon and we’re in Saint-Étienne.”
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin
