65 Arrested After Nice Ultras Brawl in Paris

Paris police detained 65 people after a large overnight brawl involving OGC Nice supporters near Canal Saint-Martin left six people injured, including one seriously, authorities and French media said on Friday. The violence broke out late on Thursday in the city’s 10th arrondissement, hours before the Coupe de France final between Nice and Lens at Stade de France. Prosecutors told Le Parisien that four minors were among those taken into custody. Police said knives, improvised weapons, balaclavas and padded gloves were recovered after the clashes. ### Where did the clashes happen, and who was involved? The fight unfolded around Quai de Valmy and the Canal Saint-Martin area, a nightlife district in northeastern Paris where bars were still busy late on Thursday. Le Parisien, citing the Paris police prefecture, said about 100 OGC Nice supporters had first gathered in a bar and then moved into the street before the violence escalated. (leparisien.fr) France 24, citing police, reported that the group appeared to be “clearly looking for a fight.” L’Équipe said the confrontation involved a group of Nice ultras and Parisians, many described as former members of the Auteuil stand associated with Paris Saint-Germain supporters. ### How badly were people hurt? (leparisien.fr) Six people were injured, and one was in serious condition, according to the Paris police prefecture as cited by Le Parisien, L’Équipe and France 24. A police source told Le Parisien that some injuries were caused by broken glass. (france24.com) Le Parisien reported that one victim suffered a throat wound and another was stabbed in the back, citing witnesses and a police source. France 24 separately reported that one person was struck in the throat by a shard of glass and another was stabbed in the back. Both outlets said some of the injured were bystanders with no connection to football supporter groups. (leparisien.fr) ### What did police say they found, and what charges are being examined? The Paris police prefecture said 65 people were placed in custody, including four minors, after the fighting. Le Parisien said the detentions were made in particular for suspected participation in a group formed to commit violence. (leparisien.fr) Weapons were recovered at the scene, according to police accounts cited by multiple outlets. Le Parisien said officers found bladed weapons, improvised weapons, balaclavas and reinforced gloves, while France 24 reported that a bread knife with a 20-centimeter blade and traces of blood was found on the ground. (leparisien.fr) ### Why did Paris officials condemn the group so strongly? Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said on Friday that some of the Nice ultras involved displayed links to the far right and had attacked Parisians near the canal. In comments reported by Le Parisien and L’Équipe, he said he condemned the acts “with the greatest firmness” and expressed support for the victims and residents of the 10th arrondissement. (leparisien.fr) L’Équipe reported that Grégoire also thanked police for what he called their responsiveness and professionalism. The mayor’s statement was one of the first political reactions to the violence before the cup final. ### What did this mean for the cup final in Saint-Denis? The Coupe de France final was already classified as a high-risk match, and French authorities put a large security operation in place before kickoff on Friday night. (leparisien.fr) L’Équipe said more than 2,000 police officers were deployed, and the Seine-Saint-Denis prefecture banned alcohol sales and public drinking around Stade de France. (lequipe.fr) Philippe Diallo, head of the French Football Federation, told France Info that the people involved were “certainly fringe groups” and said most Nice supporters were due to arrive in Paris later. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari also condemned the violence, according to L’Équipe. Friday’s next milestone was the final itself at Stade de France, with police and local authorities maintaining the reinforced security perimeter around the venue. (lequipe.fr) (france24.com)