France in flames: Riot police clash with Morocco fans in tense scenes after World Cup win
Morocco became the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final after Youssef En-Nesyri's header proved the difference in the side's 1-0 victory against Portugal.
Morocco fans celebrate beating Spain
Morocco fans have clashed with riot police in Paris after the African nation advanced to the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar with a 1-0 win against Portugal. Footage uploaded to social media appears to show tensions running high in the French capital. Police officers, who can be seen carrying shields, were dealing with the crowds, as flames soared into the skies of the French capital from a motorcycle.
Tirs de mortiers d’artifice et projectiles. Tensions toujours en cours sur les #ChampsÉlysées. pic.twitter.com/ASIG5vfEiM
— Clément Lanot (@ClementLanot) December 10, 2022
Fireworks and projectiles were fired at officers in footage uploaded to Twitter by journalist Clément Lanot.
Riot police responded by firing tear gas on the Champs Elysees.
Other clips from the capital showed Moroccan fans throwing glass bottles at the police, who then stormed the crowds and could be seen hitting fans with batons.
Fans descended on the landmark avenue after the final whistle was blown in Morocco's clash against Portugal.
JUST IN: Mbappe seen laughing at Kane after England World Cup penalty miss
They were seen chanting, waving flags and honking their horns.
French fans joined the crowds after Olivier Giroud headed Les Bleus to a 2-1 victory against England.
Around 20,000 fans in total from both teams had gathered on the historic landmark in Paris to celebrate their team's victories.
According to Reuters, people were seen smashing shop ventures and fighting with police.
England fans gutted after World Cup defeat to France
More than 1,000 police had been deployed in the capital ahead of the matches last night in anticipation of potential violence.
At least 74 people were arrested during the violence, according to the French police.
However, it was not only Paris that saw disturbance, with clashes also reported in Lille and Avignon between French police and Morrocan fans.
DON'T MISS:
Weather maps show UK to be buried in six inches of snow in hours [FORECAST]
Truly dreadful stuff from Chris Heaton-Harris for Northern Ireland [COMMENT]
Harry and Meghan dealt devastating blow in poll [POLL]
All eyes are now on next Wednesday's match, which will see France take on Morocco for a place in the World Cup final.
Morocco's deserved win over Portugal sparked scenes of jubilation across Africa and the Arab world.
Thousands were seen celebrating into the night in the besieged Gaza Strip, with many of those gathered saying the historic result was a win for “all Arab nations”.
Elated Moroccan fans also brought Edgware Road in London to a standstill in celebrations after the match.