Coaches sent off for blocking VAR screen in fiery clash

Ex-Marseille head coach and current Montpellier mentor Jean-Louis Gasset was sent off against Lens. (AP PHOTO)

The unusual decision appeared to confuse both men but it made little difference to the result as Montpellier's recent revival came to a halt.

A first-minute strike from Angolan striker M'Bala Nzola - the fastest in Ligue 1 this season - and Lens' second from debutant Jeremy Agbonifo after an hour were enough to secure the win.

The result lifted them above Lyon and Lille into fifth place, equal on points with the team above them, Nice.

Montpellier remained second from bottom, two points above Le Havre, who play Angers on Sunday.