Metz vs Fortuna Sittard

The match's defining moment came in the 40th minute, before any of the second-half goals. A shirt-tug on Zeefuik sparked a confrontation between players from both sides. Referee Demoncay, 26, moved in to separate them but was caught in the melee and fell heavily onto her back, clutching her arm.

Video footage showed her lying on the pitch near a banner reading "Respect the referee" as medical staff and security rushed over. She resumed briefly as an assistant referee after play restarted but was forced to leave the field permanently at half-time, with an assistant referee taking over central duties. According to multiple reports, she had suffered a concussion.

Fortuna Sittard described the episode as a "remarkable moment" in their match report on their website but offered no further comment. Metz did not mention the incident on their official site. Local French media called the match "anything but friendly" (Le Républicain Lorrain, cited by Voetbal International).

Gauthier Hein (Metz) — Player of the match. The Metz playmaker scored twice, opening the scoring with a composed left-footed finish in the 8th minute and converting the 75th-minute penalty to seal the win. He was a constant threat with his movement between the lines and was substituted late on to a standing ovation from the Metz supporters.

Pape Moussa Fall (Metz). The striker continued his prolific pre-season, adding a third goal in four appearances. His 50th-minute strike proved decisive, showcasing his ability to turn and finish under pressure in the box.

Justin Hubner (Fortuna Sittard). The defender scored his second goal of pre-season with a scrappy equaliser just before half-time. He was later booked in the 58th minute but played the full 90 minutes.

Mattijs Branderhorst (Fortuna Sittard). The Fortuna goalkeeper made several important saves to keep his side in the match, though he could not prevent the three goals.

Metz's 3-1 win reflected their second-half dominance after a more evenly contested first period. The home side had 59.3% of the pre-match win probability according to data models, with the 3-1 scoreline carrying a 6.4% likelihood. Both teams created chances in the first half, with Zeefuik's crossbar the closest Fortuna came before their equaliser. Metz's four consecutive pre-season wins — including a 4-1 victory over Sochaux on 22 July — suggest rising momentum, while Fortuna Sittard have now lost two of their four pre-season friendlies.

The result continues Metz's strong pre-season build-up — their seventh friendly and fourth consecutive win — ahead of their Ligue 2 opener against En Avant Guingamp on 8 August. For Fortuna Sittard, this was their fourth pre-season outing and second defeat (after 1-3 vs Olympiacos on 17 July). They face APOEL Nicosia at home on 31 July in their final friendly before travelling to reigning champions PSV Eindhoven for their Eredivisie opener.

A pre-season friendly that will be remembered for the wrong reasons. The referee concussion incident dominated headlines and has drawn widespread condemnation. On the pitch, Metz showed their quality in the second half to deservedly win, while Fortuna Sittard will take encouragement from their first-half performance ahead of a tough Eredivisie campaign.