A politically charged reunion between France and Algeria ends with pitch invasion and abandonment.

The meeting between France and Algeria was meant to represent reconciliation, but instead ended in abandonment. Played at the Stade de France, the friendly marked the first time the two nations had faced each other since Algeria gained independence in 1962, and the fixture carried enormous historical and political significance, with both teams presented as “messengers of peace”. On the pitch, France dominated. Goals from Youri Djorkaeff, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Sylvain Wiltord helped the reigning world and European champions build a 4-1 lead, with Algeria’s lone goal coming from Farid Ghazi. However, with 12 minutes remaining, the tension in the stands spilled onto the pitch. A group of supporters invaded the field, players to leave and bringing the match to an early end.