French authorities announced this Wednesday that a total of 162 people have been arrested for the riots and incidents that occurred in Paris, the capital, and in the city of Lyon following France's defeat against Spain in the Football World Cup semifinal, played on Tuesday and which coincided with the country's National Day.
According to data released by security forces and reported by the television channel BFMTV, 141 people were arrested in Paris and its metropolitan area once the match concluded, while another 21 arrests were made in Lyon.
The majority of these police interventions occurred due to the throwing of fireworks at officers deployed in the streets as part of the extensive security operation planned for the day, which involved approximately 70,000 police officers mobilized throughout the country.
Likewise, the prefect of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, where Lyon is located, Étienne Guyot, issued a statement on social media expressing his recognition of the work of law enforcement, highlighting the "speed, calm, and effectiveness of the officers in dispersing hostile individuals." "This significant police deployment led to the arrest of 21 people and prevented any damage," he clarified.
Hours earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron had congratulated Spain on its victory and qualification for the World Cup final, which will be played this Sunday, and thanked the French team for "carrying the colors of France with commitment." "The defeat is difficult, but this team is young and full of future," he noted.