Riot erupts in besançon after champions league match

Chaos erupted in the streets of Besançon following a Champions League match, as nearly fifty individuals, many of them minors, took direct action against law enforcement. The unrest began near the Robert Schwint bridge, where traffic was deliberately obstructed. Upon arrival, officers faced volleys of projectiles, resulting in five minor injuries. Drivers trapped in the blockade were stunned to witness some of the young individuals climbing onto their vehicles, with one car sustaining damage.

The wave of disorder then surged toward the city center, particularly around Place de la Révolution. Along the way, rioters deployed tear gas in several key areas, including Grande Rue, Battant, and Rue Courbet. Unsuspecting pedestrians and diners enjoying outdoor terraces were forced to take cover as the acrid fumes filled the air. In the mayhem, a cyclist’s electric bike was overturned and vandalized, while public property also fell victim to the destruction.

mayor condemns post-match violence in besançon

The city’s leadership swiftly denounced the outbreak of violence. Mayor Ludovic Fagaut took to social media to voice his condemnation, stating, “There is no justification for exploiting a widely loved sporting event to vandalize property, disrupt public order, or instill fear.” He reassured the public that authorities are actively identifying those responsible to ensure they face legal consequences.

As tensions escalated, riot police units were deployed to restore calm. An estimated 600 to 800 people remained in the streets post-match, with pockets of aggression flaring up intermittently. The most violent confrontations involved around fifty individuals directly clashing with the police.

To date, five individuals have been taken into custody—four minors and one adult—amid ongoing investigations.