Violence Erupts Between Lyon and PSG Fans, Resulting in 30 Injuries
In the lead-up to the French Cup final between Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain, a confrontation between rival fans resulted in 30 injuries and 10 arrests. The altercation occurred on a highway near the city of Lille, where the final was scheduled to take place.
According to officials from the prefecture in charge of France's northern region, 14 of the injured individuals required medical attention. The clash involved over 200 fans and took place at approximately 6 p.m. local time. During the altercation, one bus was set on fire and two others were damaged. Additionally, eight police officers sustained minor injuries.
Images circulating online depict the rival factions charging at each other, with one group, dressed in white, crossing barriers and retreating across a nearby field. Flares were thrown, and bus windows were smashed during the confrontation. Despite police escorts for fan buses from both clubs, the incident occurred. The national police division for the fight against hooliganism had classified the final as a very high security risk.
The ultras of Lyon and PSG have a longstanding rivalry, and both groups were expected to travel to Villeneuve d'Ascq for the final. PSG supporters, dressed in dark clothing, clashed with Lyon supporters in white attire, some of whom wore balaclavas to conceal their identities.
Bertrand Gaume, the prefect for upper France, commended the police intervention in quelling the violence and preventing further escalation. In total, 10 arrests were made.
In a separate incident during the youth French Cup final, PSG supporters threw projectiles at Marseille Under-19 goalkeeper Aboubaka Dosso, leading to a 10-minute suspension of the match in the second half.
Due to preparations for the Paris Olympics at Stade de France, the French Cup final was relocated to Stade Pierre Mauroy near Lille. In Kylian Mbappé's final game for PSG, the team secured a 2-1 victory over Lyon.
