Ligue 1: Monaco hit with penalty; to start season at minus-two points

Newly-promoted Monaco will start the season on minus two points after they were penalised by the French League following crowd trouble during a second division game against Le Mans.

The League handed the Principality side a three-point penalty, with one suspended, after the May 17 match at Stade Louis II was marred by fans' lighting flares and a pitch invasion, during which the referee was attacked by a supporter.

The club will also have to play one game behind closed doors.

The sanction is a heavy blow to Monaco, who are expected to challenge defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, after marking their return to the top-flight with several highly-priced signings, including that of Colombian striker Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid.