What should have been a night of celebration quickly turned into unrest across parts of France.
In Paris and its surrounding suburbs, 141 people were arrested after France’s Euro final match. According to police, most of the arrests were linked to people firing powerful firework mortars at police officers and emergency responders. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
The situation was similar in Lyon, where hundreds of fans gathered at Place Bellecour to watch France take on Spain. After the match, groups of mostly young people clashed with police, throwing fireworks and other projectiles. Riot police stepped in and arrested about 20 more people, aged roughly 14 to 24 years old.
In total, around 161 people were arrested during the night’s disturbances. While there were no major injuries or significant property damage, the incidents once again raised concerns about how football celebrations in France can sometimes spiral into violence.
Football brings passion—but when celebrations turn into chaos, everyone loses.
