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Female football referee concussed after being knocked over by players during brawl

A female football referee reportedly suffered a concussion after she was knocked to the ground during an on-pitch brawl.

Footage shows Mathilde Demoncay running onto the pitch during a pre-season friendly between France’s Metz and Fortuna Sittard of the Netherlands on Saturday (25 July).

Tensions erupted in the 40th minute over a shirt-tugging incident, with players from either team rushing in to join in the confrontation.

Demoncay can be seen falling to the ground as she tries to intervene. She remained on the turf for several minutes as medics spoke to her whilst the brawl continued.

After play resumed, she continued her role but was replaced for the second half.

Fortuna Sittard, who lost the game 3-1, called the incident a “remarkable moment” with no further comment, whilst Metz has not commented on the episode.