da brdice： Troyes’ home match against Valenciennes had to be abandoned after supporters at the Stade de l'Aube turned on the club after a season of struggles.

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Players threw flare back into standsBought by City Football Group in 2020Ligue 2 survival chances dwindlingWHAT HAPPENED?

Troyes are on the brink of successive relegations having dropped out of Ligue 1 last season. They are currently 17th in Ligue 2, just three points ahead of both Quevilly-Rouen and Concerneau. With the team drawing 1-1 with rock-bottom Valenciennes, fans had seen enough and hurled flares onto the pitch – and some Troyes players responded by throwing them back into the stands.

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The chants of ‘Merci City’ are damning for the City Football Group, who purchased a majority stake in Troyes in September 2020. The CFG takes its name from Premier League champions Manchester City and the holding company has various other high-profile subsidiaries, including Girona, Melbourne City, New York City FC and Mumbai City. It is fronted by Khaldoon Al-Mubarak.

DID YOU KNOW?

Troyes won the now discontinued UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2001 by beating Newcastle in a two-legged final. The two teams drew 4-4 at St James’ Park, with the French outfit claiming victory courtesy of the away goals rule.

WHAT NEXT FOR TROYES?

As Troyes await potential punishments for the game against Valenciennes being abandoned and a possible rescheduling, they can look towards their final two matches of the campaign. With Ligue 2 survival on the line, first up is a trip to Stade Laval next week before a home meeting with Annecy on May 17.