2012 Ligue 1 champions Montpellier face demotion to second tier

Bottom-of-the-table Montpellier have been condemned to Ligue 2 after 16th-placed Le Havre held second-placed Monaco to a 1-1 draw. Ahmed Hassan gave the relegation-battling hosts the lead in the 22nd minute before Mika Biereth levelled for Monaco just after the hour.

With four matches remaining in the campaign, Montpellier trail Le Havre, who occupy the relegation play-off spot, by 13 points, sealing their relegation from the French top flight. In a miserable campaign, the south coast side have picked up just 15 points from their 30 games.

Financial and sporting difficulties have seen Montpellier go from being crowned Ligue 1 champions in 2011/12, with the likes of Olivier Giroud and Younes Belhanda starring in the squad, to seeing demotion to the second tier in just over the decade. 

"We would like to thank our loyal fans for their support during this very difficult season. We will need your passion and encouragement for the coming season," the club wrote on social media. Montpellier play Stade de Reims on Sunday afternoon, but a positive result will not salvage their fortunes.