Paris' iconic Champs Elysee could be closed on Wednesday as police fear clashes between French and Moroccan fans.
It’s World Cup semi-final week and after Leo Messi’s Argentina take on Croatia on Tuesday night, Kylian Mbappe’s France face the surprise package from North Africa for a place in the Final. The Moroccans stunned Portugal in the quarters, their win sending Cristiano Ronaldo down the tunnel in floods of tears after his nation crashed out of the tournament in Qatar.
There are close links between France and Morocco, with a large Moroccan community residing in France, while the two countries share a language. There is likely to be large numbers supporting both teams in the city, and authorities fear that has the potential for clashes between the two should fans take to the streets in celebration of reaching the final, and are taking precautions to prevent that.
The famous boulevard in the capital is now set to be closed off after the mayor of the 8th arrondissement – the district of Paris where the road is located – stepped in. He has asked that the street, which leads to the renowned Arc du Triomphe and the notoriously busy roundabout that surrounds it, be shut to prevent fans clashing before and after the match.
RMC reports that 2000 police officers will be deployed on the City of Lights’ streets to help maintain order. That’s a big increase on the 1,200 on duty during the quarter-finals, both Morocco’s win over Portugal and France’ against England last Saturday.
Victory saw thousands of Moroccans spill outside in celebration. Given either set of fans doing the same is likely to upset the other this time around, then all safety measures are being considered ahead of the last four meeting.
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