Paris Mayor denounces clashes involving OGC Nice fans ahead of Coupe de France final | OneFootball

On Thursday night, ahead of Friday’s Coupe de France final between OGC Nice and RC Lens, there were clashes in the streets of Paris, which have been denounced by the Mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, as well as OGC Nice. 

Fans from Nice have already made the journey north to the capital, ahead of Friday night’s final at the Stade de France. The fight took place at the Saint-Martin canal and, according to Grégoire, involved around 100 Nice fans, some of whom evidenced links to the far-right. The confrontation was with Parisian supporters, some of whom were former members of Paris Saint-Germain fan group, Tribune Auteuil. 

There were six injuries, including one serious injury. There were 65 arrests, according to authorities. The violence was denounced by Le Gym in an official communiqué published on Friday morning. “The club considers this behaviour to be absolutely unacceptable and totally contrary to the values and principles that we defend on a daily basis,” read the press release. “Nothing can justify such scenes, which tarnish football’s image, as well as that of all of the supporters who have travelled to experience a Coupe de France final,” they added.

Grégoire has also condemned the scenes of violence. “Speaking on behalf of Paris and for myself, I absolutely condemn these scenes [of violence] and address my thoughts to the victims and their close ones, as well as to the inhabitants of the 10th arrondissement (where Saint-Martin canal is located), who are shocked by these scenes of violence,” said Paris’ Mayor.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle