French Cup final: around 100 Nice supporters arrested after brawl in Paris
A violent fight involving approximately 100 OGC Nice supporters erupted during the night of Thursday to Friday in the 10th arrondissement. 65 people were taken into custody.
Brawl on the margins of the final: 65 Nice supporters in custody
Around 100 OGC Nice supporters were involved in a violent brawl during the night of Thursday to Friday in Paris, according to France Info, citing the police prefecture. The incident took place around 11:30 p.m. in the 10th arrondissement, initially inside a bar, before continuing on the public road up to Quai de Valmy.
In total, 65 people were arrested and taken into custody, notably for participation in a gathering with the intention of committing violence. Six people were injured, including one seriously, the prefecture confirmed.
A group apparently seeking "to pick a fight"
According to the police prefecture, the supporters "walked around, apparently seeking to pick a fight with bystanders" before the brawl broke out at Quai de Valmy, "for reasons unknown at this stage". These individuals were in Paris to attend the French Cup final between Lens and Nice, scheduled for Friday evening.
At the scene of the arrests, law enforcement recovered studded gloves, gum shields and balaclavas bearing the Nice club's colours, according to the prosecutor's office.
Political and sporting reactions
The president of the French Football Federation (FFF), Philippe Diallo, questioned on France Info, declared that he "obviously condemn these acts". "We are seeing everything we dislike in football, that is to say violence, even as a French Cup final is supposed to be a celebration", he stated, calling on supporters to come "simply to support their team in a warm but reasoned manner".
The mayor of the 11th arrondissement, David Belliard, denounced on social network X "a procession of far-right activists in the heart of Paris, who are fighting and being violent". The Green politician added: "These people have no business here. We want neither them nor their racist ideology here."
The mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, also responded on X, condemning "in the strongest terms these actions" and stating that some of the arrested individuals displayed "proximity with the far right". "I wish to reaffirm that Paris, faithful to its history and values, will allow no room for far-right groups to deploy their hate", he wrote.
The Minister for Sport, Marina Ferrari, described these incidents as "a disgrace to the image of football and football support" in a message posted on X. "Firm measures will be taken against these individuals, who will have to answer for their actions", she added.
Reinforced security arrangements for the final
This French Cup final had already been classified as high-risk by the authorities due to historical animosity between Nice supporters and those of Paris Saint-Germain. More than 2,000 police officers had been deployed to oversee the event.
Source: France Info