Police clashes erupt in besançon following champions league match

A tense situation unfolded in Besançon after a Champions League match, when a group of individuals—primarily minors—blocked traffic near the Robert Schwint bridge. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers faced a barrage of projectiles thrown by the crowd. Five police officers sustained minor injuries, while motorists trapped in the chaos saw some of the demonstrators climb onto their vehicles. One car was vandalized before the group dispersed toward the city center, particularly Place de la Révolution.

In their path, several streets—including Grande rue, Battant, and rue Courbet—became engulfed in tear gas as authorities attempted to regain control. Patrons at nearby cafés were swiftly ushered indoors by restaurant staff to avoid exposure. Reports also indicated that a resident’s electric bicycle was overturned and damaged, alongside additional vandalism to public property.

Mayor condemns post-match unrest in Besançon

The disturbances drew sharp criticism from Ludovic Fagaut, the Mayor of Besançon, who took to social media to denounce the violence. “There is absolutely no justification for exploiting a popular sporting event to engage in destruction, disrupt public order, or instill fear,” he stated, emphasizing that authorities are actively identifying those responsible to ensure they face legal consequences.

Eyewitness accounts described the scene as fluid yet volatile, with crowds ranging from 600 to 800 people wandering the streets after the match. At times, tensions flared as a subset of roughly fifty individuals clashed directly with police forces.

To date, five individuals have been taken into custody—four of them minors and one adult.