A female assistant referee was left injured and had to briefly leave the pitch after being caught up in a melee during a pre-season friendly between France's Metz and the Netherlands' Fortuna Sittard. Mathilde Demoncay, 26, reportedly suffered concussion after being knocked to the ground while trying to intervene in a confrontation between players, highlighting the physical risks match officials can face even in low-stakes fixtures.

The incident occurred in the 40th minute after a shirt-tugging altercation between two opposing players escalated, with others rushing in to join the confrontation. Demoncay fell heavily and remained on the ground for several minutes holding her arm while assistant referees, security and medical staff attended to her. She continued in her role once play resumed but withdrew at half-time, being replaced by another assistant; Metz went on to win the match 3-1.