PSG Riot: Paris Saint-Germain Title Celebrations Marred By Fan Violence

[Battle Mech]

PSG Riot: Paris Saint-Germain Title Celebrations Marred By Fan Violence

By JEROME PUGMIRE 05/13/13 06:52 PM ET EDT

PARIS — The celebration to honor Paris Saint-Germain's first French league title in 19 years was cut short Monday following fights between fans and riot police in which 30 people were injured.

Paris police commissioner Bernard Boucault said three police officers were among the injured from the clashes, a huge embarrassment to a club that has been trying to restore its image following years of fan violence. Police made 21 arrests.

A total of 800 officers were deployed to contain the fans, Boucault said, but it took several hours to bring the situation under control after store and car windows were smashed near the Champs Elysees.

"The conclusion you can draw is that there won't be more any more events like this in a public place for Paris Saint-Germain," Boucault said.

The website of sports daily L'Equipe mirrored the despondent mood, with a headline reading "Quand La Fete Tourne Au Fiasco" (When The Celebration Turns to Fiasco).

"Today should have been a day of celebration for the city of Paris," PSG said in a statement late Monday. "The party was spoiled by a few hundred troublemakers who have nothing to do with football."

Tens of thousands of fans waited patiently for the players, who arrived more than an hour late at the landmark Trocadero plaza. Dressed smartly in dark suits, the players – David Beckham among them – drew loud cheers from the fans. Some in the crowd stood on rooftops, lighted flares and climbed scaffolding.

But there was not even time for a speech from coach Carlo Ancelotti or captain Thiago Silva, who held the trophy aloft with defensive partner Mamadou Sakho. After only a few minutes, the players were led away by security officials.

Small groups of riot police started to move forward, with the mood turning more menacing. Fans threw stones and other objects at the police, who replied by firing tear gas canisters.

"There were fireworks, flares and a bit of (tear) gas flying about," PSG defender Zoumana Camara said. "But you can understand that a bit because they (the fans) have been waiting for so long."

This was PSG's third league title and first since 1994. The violence comes three years after a PSG fan was killed in fighting outside Parc des Princes stadium – the second hooligan-related death at the club since 2006.

PSG had serious problems with hooliganism from 1985 to 2010. The club then took measures to combat the problem and radically changed its ticketing policy.

Former PSG player Ali Bernabia, who played for PSG from 1999-2001, questioned the location of the ceremony, saying it was an open invitation for fans to converge and making it difficult for police to control crowds.

"You can't expect everything to suddenly change and to host a trophy presentation at the Trocadero," Bernabia said on BFM television.

PSG also chose the Trocadero to present the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic last August, an event that brought some fighting among fans that day.

Sporting director Leonardo did not attend the ceremony after being hospitalized overnight, reportedly for a stress-related ailment. He was released Monday afternoon.

Leonardo argued with Ibrahimovic after Sunday's match, with television images showing the club's top scorer shouting at the sporting director in the locker room after the game.

The 1-0 win at Lyon on Sunday night clinched the championship for PSG with two rounds remaining.

 

[Battle Mech]

Beckham's latest league title celebrations marred by rioting PSG fans as police are forced to intervene with tear gas

By RICHARD SHARPE PUBLISHED: 19:09 GMT, 13 May 2013 | UPDATED: 07:36 GMT, 14 May 2013

The celebrations to honor Paris Saint-Germain's first French league title in 19 years were cut short Monday following violent scenes in which fans fought with riot police, leaving 30 people injured and leading to 21 arrests.Paris police commissioner Bernard Boucault said three police officers were among the injured from the clashes, which have dealt a serious blow to the club's bid to restore its image following years of fan violence. 'Today should have been a day of celebration for the city of Paris," PSG said in a statement late Monday. "The party was spoiled by a few hundred troublemakers who have nothing to do with football.'

Fans marching: But the atmosphere of the occasion was unfortunately to change

A total of 800 officers were deployed to contain the supporters, Boucault said, but they took several hours to bring a situation under control that included the smashing of store and car windows near the Champs Elysees. 'The conclusion you can draw is that there won't be more anymore events like this in a public place for Paris Saint-Germain,' Boucault said. French Sports Minister Valerie Fourneyron said 'PSG fans and players are the first victims of a minority' of troublemakers. The Interior Ministry condemned a minority of fans from 'the Ultras movement' and a 'group of young hooligans' who they say provoked the incidents.

The club then released a statement on Tuesday morning, which said: 'The party was spoiled by a few hundred troublemakers who have nothing to do with football and even less with those that fill the Parc des Princes on match days with such passion and enthusiasm and in total security.

'All the members of the club, the players and the directors, express to all those loyal and passionate fans their heartfelt regret that today's trophy presentation ceremony had to be cut short.

Scenic? The club's fans walk down the Champs Elysees, with L'Arc de Triomphe in the background

Out of hand: It was a shame those present couldn't just enjoy a first title in 19 years

'The celebrations will continue this Saturday at the Parc des Princes for the Ligue 1 match against Brest, when the club and its fans will unite in the joy of Paris Saint-Germain's first league title in 19 years.

'Paris Saint-Germain is more determined than ever to build a huge European club, worthy of the French capital, and far removed from those intent on trying to destroy that dream.'

However, this is not the first time police authorities have been caught out this season. Prior to PSG's Champions League home match against Dinamo Zagreb in November, about 100 hooligans from PSG and Dinamo clashed in the highly populated Bastille area the night before the game - even though there was already a decree in place banning the opposition fans from attending the game. That led to 28 arrests.

The website of sports daily L'Equipe mirrored the despondent mood Monday, with a headline reading 'Quand La Fete Tourne Au Fiasco' (When The Celebration Turns to Fiasco). Tens of thousands of fans waited patiently for the players, who arrived more than an hour late at Trocadero plaza. Dressed smartly in dark suits, the players - David Beckham among them - drew loud cheers from the fans. Some in the crowd stood on rooftops, lit flares and climbed scaffolding.

Police intervention: Tear gas was then needed as the behaviour of those present got out of control

But there was not even time for a speech from coach Carlo Ancelotti or captain Thiago Silva, who held the trophy aloft with defensive partner Mamadou Sakho. After only a few minutes, the players were led away by security officials. 'All the members of the club, the players and the directors, express to all of these loyal and passionate fans their heartfelt regret that today's title presentation ceremony had to be cut short,' PSG said. Small groups of riot police started to move forward, with the mood turning more menacing. Fans threw stones and other objects at the police, who replied by firing tear gas canisters.

'There were fireworks, flares and a bit of (tear) gas flying about,' PSG defender Zoumana Camara said. 'But you can understand that a bit because they (the fans) have been waiting for so long.' This was PSG's third league title and first since 1994. The violence comes three years after a PSG fan was killed in fighting outside Parc des Princes stadium - the second hooligan-related death at the club since 2006.

Riots: Paris police were needed at Trocadero

Shameless: It's another occasion in which football fans have got it all wrong and in the public eye

PSG had serious problems with hooliganism from 1985 to 2010. The club then took measures to combat the problem and radically changed its ticketing policy. Former PSG player Ali Bernabia, who played for PSG from 1999-2001, questioned the location of the ceremony, saying it was an open invitation for fans to converge and making it difficult for police to control crowds. 'You can't expect everything to suddenly change and to host a trophy presentation at the Trocadero,' Bernabia said on BFM television.

PSG also chose the Trocadero to present the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic last August, an event that brought some fighting among fans that day. Sporting director Leonardo did not attend the ceremony after being hospitalized overnight, reportedly for a stress-related ailment. He was released Monday afternoon. Leonardo argued with Ibrahimovic after Sunday's match, with television images showing the club's top scorer shouting at the sporting director in the changing room after the game. The 1-0 win at Lyon on Sunday night clinched the championship for PSG with two rounds remaining.

Ultras? It wouldn't be the first time fans of the club have been guilty of hooliganism

Decorated: David Beckham joined in the celebrations when the atmosphere had been pleasant

Sporting director Leonardo did not attend the ceremony after reportedly being hospitalised overnight and treated for a stress-related ailment before being released Monday afternoon. Leonardo was involved in a verbal altercation with Zlatan Ibrahimovic after Sunday's match, with television images showing the club's top scorer shouting angrily at the sporting director in the changing room after the match. Leonardo also faces a long ban after barging into the referee in a corridor following PSG's 1-1 draw with Valenciennes less than two weeks ago.

Sightseeing tour? The iconic Eiffel Tower had made a suitable backdrop when the celebrations were peaceful

Growing power: PSG are expected to continue to invest and achieve even greater success

Huge turn out: The French champions' fans had showed up in big numbers to mark their team's achievements

Painting the town red: PSG's illustrious squad made no secret of the joy they are taking from their success

Elder statesman: France is the fourth country in which Beckham has won the title

Brazilian influence: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is PSG's main man but they have a significant South American contingent

Bored? Has Ibrahimovic won so much that this latest triumph is no longer a big deal?

Reachable: The talented squad showed that they have time for their many fans

Passionate: The club's fans have been waiting a long time for glory, having not won the league since 1994

World class: Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva are two of PSG's best players and among Europe's finest

Spotted a relative? Thiago Motta, another Brazilian, shares a joke with someone in the crowd and team-mates


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