Paris police detained 65 people following a massive brawl on Thursday night involving OGC Nice supporters.
The violence left six people injured, including one seriously, ahead of the French Cup final against Lens on Friday.
The clashes occurred in the Canal Saint-Martin area of the 10th arrondissement. Authorities stated around 100 Nice fans gathered with the clear intention of fighting.
Social media videos showed masked individuals attacking a local establishment and throwing chairs. Weapons including knives, balaclavas, and padded gloves were seized at the scene.
One victim suffered a throat injury from a glass shard, while another was stabbed in the back. Some victims were identified as uninvolved bystanders.
Security Concerns Ahead of Final
The incident has intensified security concerns for the upcoming match at the Stade de France. Authorities have classified the event as high-risk.
Over 2,000 police officers have been deployed to manage potential friction between Nice supporters and local Paris Saint-Germain fans.
The head of the French Football Federation commented on the pre-match violence during a broadcast on France Info radio.
"These are certainly fringe groups, as the vast majority of Nice supporters are due to arrive in Paris today," said Philippe Diallo.
He expressed his disappointment regarding the behavior of the rioting individuals.
"This is everything we dislike about football – namely violence – when a French Cup final is supposed to be a celebration," Diallo added.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire also addressed the situation. He accused certain factions of the traveling fanbase of instigating the chaos.
Grégoire stated that Nice fans, "some of whom are known to have links to the far right," were responsible for "accosting and violently attacking" residents of Paris.
The altercations compound a difficult season for OGC Nice.
The club, acquired by Britain's Ineos in 2019, finished their domestic campaign in the relegation play-off position after securing only two victories across their final 24 fixtures.
Disciplinary issues follow a recent pitch invasion by angry fans during a scoreless draw against Metz.
That resulted in a sanction forcing Nice to play their upcoming home relegation play-off match behind closed doors.
The club faces a two-legged playoff against Saint-Etienne next week to remain in the top division. The team's management acknowledged the immense pressure facing the squad.
"It is still a final, so of course we will give our all.
But the two matches that come after are more important," acknowledged Jean-Pierre Rivère, the club's president.
Rivère emphasized that maintaining their position in the top flight remains the absolute priority.
"We want to stay in Ligue 1. That is our only ambition," Rivère stated.
