The first big city decided to act rigorously. In Clermont-Ferrand, France, with around 150,000 inhabitants, a curfew was imposed for young people under the age of 16 throughout the football World Cup. The measure seeks to avoid new riots. The backdrop is the serious disturbances recorded in the city after Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League at the end of May, in addition to the incidents of the following weekend. As many young people participated in the actions, the city hall is now adopting security actions. The announcement was made by Mayor Julien Bony.
“I do not take this measure with pleasure, but I do so with total responsibility. It is, above all, a protective action for young people and which also demands from their parents”, declared the mayor. The curfew will be in effect from 11pm to 7am for teenagers without adult supervision.
“We will not tolerate this”
Bony explained that minors have nothing to do on the street at that time. It is no longer acceptable for groups of teenagers to attack law enforcement or restaurant tables. The city will not tolerate this type of behavior. This is the objective of the decree.
In several French cities, riots after sporting events have been repeated frequently in the past.
Safety measures, however, are not just limited to local youth. To prevent disturbances around the World Cup, Clermont-Ferrand also banned all game broadcasts in open areas, such as bar and restaurant terraces. Public viewing events will not be authorized. The restriction is even valid if France reaches the final, according to the authorities.
Around 900 arrests after PSG victory
Especially in the Greater Paris region, but also in other large cities, riots occurred after PSG’s title. Authorities suspect agitators who are not ordinary football fans. In total, the country recorded almost 900 arrests.
The incidents sparked widespread public debate about the violence and destruction that accompany sporting celebrations in France. Temporary nighttime curfews for young people have been adopted by some cities previously, for example, to curb violence linked to drug trafficking.