French PM says PSG v Barcelona Champions League tie will go ahead despite nationwide unrest
The French prime minister has ruled out cancelling Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona, scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, despite escalating unrest across the country, Reuters reported.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez admitted police had lost control of the situation in some major cities as the disturbances followed nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs and poor conditions in schools. More than half a million people marched on Saturday, with most protests remaining peaceful before smaller groups set fires and looted businesses in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities.
According to an Agence France-Presse report published by India Today, more than 2,500 people were arrested and nearly 1,000 security personnel were injured during the unrest. Nunez acknowledged shortcomings in the police response, while President Emmanuel Macron rejected the interior minister's resignation and ordered a review of security and intelligence failures.
French officials have indicated that the disruption will not affect the scheduled European fixture between PSG and Barcelona. The match is among the high-profile fixtures on the Champions League calendar and, according to government statements, is expected to proceed as planned.
The disturbances have had an impact on domestic clubs off the pitch, with Ligue 1 sides Marseille and Lille reporting damage to their official stores. Marseille said looters caused significant damage to its shop on La Canebiere and that the store has been temporarily closed, while Lille reported extensive damage and widespread looting at its city-centre outlet and said the shop would remain closed until further notice.
Lille also thanked its store employees and members of the public who offered assistance after the incidents, including passersby who provided practical help and comfort. The scale of the unrest has put pressure on the government to restore order, but authorities maintain the Champions League fixture is due to take place on Wednesday, October 21.
