During the semi-final of the France-Morocco World Cup, having seen the Blues prevail by the score of 2 to 0 and qualify for the final, the atmosphere was festive in the big cities of France. Between Marseillaise, cries and leaps of joy and singing in chorus, the images are impressive. However, overflows took place in Montpellier, as well as in Brussels on the other side of the border, while local residents exulted in joy and good humor.
The World Cup semi-final saw the French beat Morocco 2-0. During the match, supporters of both nations gathered in major French cities to cheer on their team. Party footage shows fans singing along and celebrating the France team’s goals. The territorial intelligence services, however, feared overflows. There were a few, but the atmosphere remained more festive.
Joy, then clashes on the Place de la Comédie
In Montpellier, from La Paillade to La Comédie, via Plan Cabanes and Place Jean-Jaurès, there were many supporters. In the bars, French and Moroccans of all ages were gathered behind the televisions, most often beer in hand.
Then, around 9:55 p.m., the atmosphere got out of hand on the Place de la Comédie. Cheers and songs have been replaced by mortar fire. Tear gas had to be used by the police to bring the clashes under control.
In the Gard, in Nîmes, everything went well.
Fans in Nimes
Fans in Nimes
Fireworks on the Champs-Elysées
In Paris, thousands of supporters gathered on the Champs-Elysées to celebrate the victory of Les Bleus. Accompanied by fireworks, smoke and car horns, fans celebrated qualifying for the final with respect and hopping to “We’re in the final” or singing “Freed from desire”.
Overflows in Brussels
In Brussels, clashes occurred in the city center. The police were mobilized to deal with the supporters. According to the media The evening, supporters sent firecrackers and smoke bombs towards the police. Cardboard boxes and a scooter were burned. The water cannon was deployed and tear gas was used, explains the daily.
A local resident was allegedly insulted for waving a French flag on his balcony, before backtracking.
10,000 law enforcement were prepared
BFM TV had indicated that a note had been published by the Central Territorial Intelligence Service, to alert on the “important gatherings” to which “opportunistic delinquents” will be added.
No less than 10,000 police and gendarmes were mobilized to secure “these often family demonstrations of joy”, throughout the territory. The objective was to deter supporters from any excesses, looting or destruction of public property.
Law enforcement patrols were present in places at risk and more specifically around the demonstrations, but also in stations and stations.