Saint-Etienne struck for six and reduced to eight men in a club record loss

Saint-Etienne suffered a club-record defeat and became only the second Ligue 2 side to have three players sent off in a single game after being beaten 6-0 by Le Havre.

One of the most successful French clubs in history, Saint-Etienne were relegated from Ligue 1 last season, with misery made worse by a points deduction.

They had opened their season with two draws and a loss, but were humiliated on Saturday.

Saint-Etienne saw three players sent off, including two in the first half. Anthony Briançon picked up two bookings in the space of four minutes, and Mathieu Cafaro received his marching orders shortly after.

It was the first time Saint-Etienne had received two red cards in the first half of a league game in the 21st century, and they went on to equal a Ligue 2 record set by Valenciennes in 2019 when the goalkeeper Etienne Green saw red in the 66th minute.

Le Havre were leading 3-0 at this stage and capitalized on their power play to inflict a real beating, as Saint-Etienne lost by six goals in a home game for the first time in their history.