Multiple football fans injured after stadium stand collapses at Amiens vs Lille match

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Multiple Lille football fans have been injured after part of a stadium collapsed as the team celebrated a goal against Amiens in northern France.

There were up to 18 fans injured, including three seriously, when a barrier gave way at the 12,000-capacity Amiens Unicorn stadium.

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Horrifying photos and video footage show dozens of fans tumbling down the stand after it gave way.

The fans were celebrating a goal by Lille's Fode Ballo-Toure when the barrier collapsed, sending them plunging two metres to pitch level.

Firefighters, paramedics, Red Cross emergency workers and the team doctors sprinted onto the pitch from the dugout to offer first aid.

The match was stopped by the referee in the 16th minute.

Riot police wearing body armour and carrying shields also found themselves thrust into a first aid role to help the wounded.

French media reports suggest many suffered leg and rib injuries.

Some supporters were taken out of the stadium in stretchers.

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Lille's official Twitter account said three fans were taken to hospital, adding: "We give them all our support."

Amiens wrote on its official club Twitter page: "All of our hearts are with the injured. We hope it's not too serious."

French footballer Toifilou Maoulida, who plays for Tours FC, also sent a message of support, writing on Twitter in French: "Sadness. Courage to the injured Lille supporters, hoping that there is nothing dramatic for one of them."

The match is a local derby, with 60 miles separating the two clubs.

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