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Saint-Etienne fans force club's hand, have loan for a player canceled

PARIS (AP) — Anthony Mounier's playing stint at Saint-Etienne lasted four days. His sin? Having played for bitter rival Lyon, and a few offensive comments he made years ago.

Mounier, an attacking midfielder who signed a six-month loan deal with the French league club last week, returned to Italy without playing a ball after diehard Saint-Etienne fans made it clear he was not welcome at Geoffroy Guichard stadium.

The 29-year-old Mounier traveled back to Serie A club Bologna on Monday, and is likely to be sent on loan to Atalanta Bergamo instead.

Before Mounier even set a foot at Saint-Etienne, fans sent him a clear warning.