Young protesters clash with police in besançon after champions league match

Tensions flared in Besançon following a Champions League match, as a crowd of nearly fifty individuals—mostly underage—blocked traffic near the Robert Schwint bridge. Upon arrival, police officers faced a barrage of thrown objects. Five officers sustained minor injuries, while stranded motorists witnessed young protesters climbing onto their vehicles. One car was vandalized before the group dispersed toward the city center, congregating at Place de la Révolution.

In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas in several key areas, including Grande rue, Battant, and rue Courbet. Local shopkeepers swiftly evacuated patrons from outdoor seating, while cyclists found their electric bikes overturned or damaged. Urban fixtures were also targeted, adding to the chaos.

Mayor condemns violence amid growing unrest

Besançon’s mayor, Ludovic Fagaut, issued a strong condemnation of the disturbances. “No situation excuses exploiting a popular sporting event to vandalize property, disrupt public order, or instill fear,” he stated, emphasizing that authorities are actively identifying participants to hold them accountable in court.

As the night progressed, between 600 and 800 people roamed the streets, with sporadic outbreaks of aggression. A subset of around fifty individuals clashed directly with police forces. So far, five arrests have been made—four minors and one adult.