Clashes involving OGC Nice supporters broke out Thursday evening in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, on the eve of the French Cup final against RC Lens. Six people were injured, including one seriously. The police prefecture announced 65 arrests.
The evening turned violent last night in the streets of the capital. Videos posted on social media show scenes of violence that occurred in the Saint-Martin Canal district, in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. Several dozen individuals dressed in black appear to be attacking a bar. Chairs and various projectiles are thrown at the storefront. Some windows were shattered by the impacts.
Another sequence shows clashes between two groups. Chairs are exchanged in the middle of the street while a man lies on the ground, motionless.
The incidents occurred Thursday around 11:30 p.m., a few hours before the French Cup final between OGC Nice and RC Lens at the Stade de France.
The police prefecture describes a “major brawl”
According to the Paris police prefecture, “about a hundred OGC Nice supporters gathered in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, first in a bar then in public, wandered around, clearly looking to fight with bystanders, until Quai de Valmy where a major brawl broke out for reasons unknown at this stage.”
The toll shows six injured, including one serious. One man reportedly received a bottle wound to the throat. Another victim reportedly suffered head trauma.
The police prefecture stated Friday morning that 65 people were taken into custody, notably for participation in a group gathering to commit violence. Bladed weapons, improvised weapons, balaclavas and brass knuckles were found during arrests.
Initial investigation findings indicate that the assault victims were ordinary passersby, with no connection to the supporters community.
“These behaviors are absolutely unacceptable”
In a statement, OGC Nice “strongly condemns the serious events that occurred last night in Paris.” The club believes that “these behaviors are absolutely unacceptable and in total contradiction with the values and principles it upholds on a daily basis.”
The club’s leaders added: “nothing can justify such actions, which tarnish the image of football as well as that of all supporters who came to experience a French Cup final.”
This new incident comes just days after a pitch invasion following the last Ligue 1 match against Metz. OGC Nice is already under a complete stadium ban but has announced it will appeal the decision.
Eric Ciotti also reacted: “a few hours before kick-off, I call for calm, responsibility and a spirit of celebration from everyone. This final must remain a great popular moment, of fraternity and sporting passion, both in Nice and Paris. I hope that everyone can enjoy this evening with respect for people, property and the security forces mobilized.”
Paris Mayor, Emmanuel Grégoire, also reacted on X. “About a hundred OGC Nice supporters, some displaying proximity to the far right, confronted and violently attacked Parisians near the Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement”, he wrote.
“In the name of Paris and on my own behalf, I condemn these actions most strongly and extend my thoughts to the victims and their families, as well as to the residents of the 10th arrondissement shocked by these scenes of violence”, added the official.
For now, no sanctions have been imposed by the State authorities regarding stadium bans. Nearly 15,000 supporters of the Eagles are expected tonight to participate in this wonderful celebration that will be the French Cup final.
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