Montpellier coach Rene Girard hailed his side whilst also speaking positively about Paris Saint-Germain after leading la Paillade to a first-ever Ligue 1 title on Sunday with a 2-1 win over relegated Auxerre.
John Utaka made history by striking two goals to keep Montpellier three points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti's PSG, despite the Parisiens' 2-1 win over Lorient finishing 40 minutes previously in a controversial affair.
Proceedings at Stade de-l'Abbe Deschamps had been marred with crowd trouble, with referee Said Ennjimi halting the game twice, bringing players off the pitch and into the dressing room.
After the two delays, in which riot police cleared one of the stands, the match proceeded with Utaka striking with 10 minutes to go and seal la Paillade's maiden title.
"Honestly, I think it's deserved. It was a huge fight until the end. Montpellier and PSG both had an exceptional season," the 58-year-old told Canal+.
Montpellier goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourden also failed to hide his delight at capturing the club's very first league title, though revealed that the circumstances of the triumph were tough.
"It's indescribable. It's the culmination of a great season. [What] waits for us at Montepellier is enormous." the goalkeeper was quoted as saying by RMCSport.
"It was complicated, the match was interrupted four times. I understand the Auxerre fans. We had to stay focused - it wasn't easy. Now there will be a month of a holidays."
Montpellier finished the season with 82 points.
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