Two French football fans have died as violence erupted across the county following Les Bleus’s World Cup victory over Croatia.
After the team celebrated their second ever World Cup win in Moscow, there were jubilant scene across France. In Moscow, Emmanuel Macron was memorably pictured leaping onto a gantry to wildly celebrate a goal in a break from the usual presidential reserve. But back at home, the joy turned to violence in several areas.
A total of 292 people were placed in custody across France, the Interior Ministry revealed. The most violent disturbances took place in Paris on Sunday, where 102 people were arrested, and 92 taken to cells.
Michel Delpuech, the Paris Prefect, said: ‘Given the crowd present and despite unacceptable disorder, we have record a measured balance sheet.’ Some of the worst scenes were in central Paris, where celebrations turned into widespread rioting, looting and ugly clashes with cops.
French police fired tear gas and dispersed crowds from the Champs Elysees late yesterday following the 4-2 triumph in Moscow. The iconic avenue remained closed early this morning but trouble flared again on Monday morning, when riot police had to attend the Nike store on the Champs Elysee.
This was because crowds built up to try and get hold of the new France shirt, complete with two stars to signify two World Cup wins. Following minor scuffles, it was announced that the garments would not in fact be put on general sale until Tuesday.
In the Alpine city of Annecy, some 350 miles east, a 50-year-old France fan broke his neck after jumping into a canal at the end of the final.
Photo Credit: Getty
