As Chelsea took on French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the Club World Cup, several thousand police officials were deployed across France to avoid a repeat of the horrific incidents that transpired just over a month ago. When PSG won their maiden UEFA Champions League crown against Inter in Germany, celebrations erupted back home for the side led by Luis Enrique. However, joy soon turned into caution—and then disaster—as people lost their lives in the violence and riots that broke out across the country.Celebrations quickly escalated into widespread riots, resulting in two deaths, over 190 injuries, and more than 500 arrests across France. A 17-year-old was stabbed to death, while another man in his twenties lost his life after being hit by a car during the PSG title celebrations.France remained on high alert as the French side reached another major final, but this time they ended up losing the title decider 3-0. With the chaos of the Champions League celebrations still fresh in memory, French officials stressed that no such disorder would be tolerated.“No gatherings will be tolerated on the Champs-Elysées,” said Bruno Retailleau, the Interior Minister, speaking to RMC.
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“A total of 11,500 police and gendarmes will be mobilized in Paris on Sunday, and 53,000 throughout France. Every year, there are troublemakers who want to have fun with violence—who break things, who want to loot. We’re going to have to provide security for a huge number of events: fireworks displays, parties,” Retailleau added.With PSG reaching the final and Bastille Day celebrations set to take place on July 14, the responsibility on French officials and law enforcement doubled.Following the defeat in the final at MetLife Stadium, PSG and Chelsea stars came to blows, with head coach Luis Enrique seen shoving Chelsea forward João Pedro to the ground.
