Clashes Erupt on Champs-Élysées as Morocco World Cup Celebration Turns Violent; 36 Arrested

Mortar fire, projectiles, use of tear gas. A scene far from the popular jubilation of recent days. The clashes between supporters and law enforcement have never been so violent on the Champs-Élysées since the start of the World Cup. Nearly 20,000 people had gathered to celebrate Morocco’s victory, but things quickly got out of hand, according to videos posted on social media.

According to BFMTV, this was a difficult outburst for the police to manage. "Instead of the families celebrating Morocco’s victory, there are now cohorts of young people dressed in tracksuits who seem eager to fight, not only with the law enforcement, but also with the facades of the shops".

More than 1,000 police and gendarmes had been deployed "to prevent any disturbance to public order that could be generated by supporters and to combat all forms of delinquency". Shops and stores quickly closed their doors, fearing acts of looting and damage to their property. "Near the Étoile, the supporters are rejoicing and waving flags. But on the sides, there are groups of young people dressed in black, with hats, who remain silent".

The Paris police headquarters had called on supporters to remain calm and restrained. It points out that in addition to the security system put in place, measures have been taken to discourage such behavior.