65 arrested and 6 injured in brawls in Paris ahead of football cup final

Trouble broke out in Paris on Thursday night between football supporters ahead of the Coup de France final. Police reported that 65 people were arrested after a mass brawl at Quai de Valmy on the Canal Saint-Martin. Six people were injured, including one in serious condition. Police said about 100 Nice fans gathered in the 10th arrondissement and were clearly looking for trouble. Some individuals were found carrying knives, balaclavas, and protective gloves. The mayor of the 10th arrondissement condemned the presence of far-right activists and their racist ideology. Local authorities banned alcohol sales near Stade de France and prohibited alcohol consumption on public roads due to the event being flagged as risky, with 2,000 officers expected.

"Six people were injured, with one in a serious condition, the Paris police confirmed on Friday. Fans of Nice and Lens had gathered in the capital ahead of the final, which will be played at Stade de France on Friday night, and on Thursday evening around 100 Nice fans gathered in the 10th arondissement "clearly looking for trouble", according to the police chief."

"The fans became involved in a mass brawl at the Quai de Valmy on the Canal Saint-Martin. Police intervened and 65 people were arrested for "involvement in a group with the intent to commit violence". Some of the fans were found to be carrying knives, balaclavas and protective gloves."

"The mayor of the 10th arrondissement, David Belliard, denounced on X: "A procession of far-right activists right in the heart of Paris, fighting and causing trouble. These people have no business being here. We want neither them nor their racist ideology here." French media reported that a bar in the 10th had been smashed up by fans."

"This evening's final had been flagged in advance as a risky event, with a major police presence of 2,000 officers expected. Local authorities in Seine-Saint-Denis have also taken the decision to ban the sale of alcoholic drinks in the immediate vicinity of the Stade the France, as well as the consumption of alcohol on the public highway."

Read at The Local France