The French national team secured their World Cup quarter-final victory against Morocco (2-0) on Thursday, leading to a night of exuberant yet peaceful celebrations. Initial reports confirm that the post-match festivities in Paris and its surrounding suburbs were primarily characterized by a joyous atmosphere, with only a handful of isolated incidents disrupting the overall calm.

Ten individuals apprehended

A total of ten individuals were apprehended across Paris and its immediate suburbs following the France-Morocco match celebrations, according to preliminary figures compiled this Friday morning. While the majority of fans celebrated responsibly, a few ignited flares within the capital, and reports indicated some firecracker discharges in nearby areas. Among those arrested, three were detained in Paris for phone theft, another four in the capital for armed violence and forming groups with intent to commit violence, and three more in Seine-Saint-Denis for discharging firecrackers. It remains unclear whether all these detentions have led to formal custody proceedings.

Minor injury after brawl in the 7th arrondissement

In Paris, an unexpected power outage led to the cancellation of the match screening at the Grand Rex cinema. Fans subsequently dispersed to nearby bars to watch the game. Following the final whistle, crowds briefly spilled onto the roadways, causing temporary traffic disruptions. However, police swiftly intervened, guiding celebrants back to the sidewalks without further incident.

A more serious isolated event occurred around 12:30 AM on Quai Jacques Chirac in the 7th arrondissement, where a brawl between supporters resulted in one individual sustaining a minor stab wound to the hip. The injured person was promptly transported to the hospital for treatment.

Authorities had previously classified this quarter-final clash between France and Morocco as a “particular risk” event. Intelligence assessments highlighted the heightened potential for incidents, attributing it to the match’s eliminatory nature and the significant stakes of advancing to the semi-finals, even considering the late broadcast time of 10 PM. Warnings had been issued regarding potential public gatherings and the use of pyrotechnics, irrespective of the game’s outcome.