More than 160 arrested in France after unrest following World Cup semi-final loss

PARIS: More than 160 people were arrested in Paris and Lyon after disturbances broke out following France’s 2-0 loss to Spain in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, according to broadcaster BFMTV and French authorities.

The Paris Police Prefecture said 141 people were taken into custody in the Paris region over incidents that followed Tuesday night’s match. Authorities said most of the arrests were tied to the use of firework mortars that were allegedly directed at police officers and emergency responders. Officials also said no serious injuries were reported in connection with the unrest.

Incidents in Lyon

In Lyon, several hundred people had gathered at Place Bellecour to watch the semi-final. After Spain secured victory, smaller groups were reported to have formed in the area, with some people throwing objects, including fireworks, at police.

French riot police moved in and detained around 20 people in connection with the disorder in Lyon. Local authorities said those arrested were born between 2002 and 2011. They added that there were no injuries and no major property damage reported in the city.

Match result sends Spain into final

France’s defeat sent Spain into their first World Cup final since winning the title in 2010. Spain will learn their opponents after Wednesday’s other semi-final, in which England face Argentina in Atlanta for a place in Sunday’s final.

The result ended France’s latest World Cup run after a 2-0 semi-final loss, with the post-match incidents in Paris and Lyon unfolding later the same evening. Authorities in both cities said the disturbances did not lead to serious injuries, while police carried out more than 160 arrests overall.