Calls for police chief to resign after violence at Paris Saint-Germain celebrations

Opposition MPs in France are calling for the resignation of the Paris police chief after yesterday’s violence in Trocadéro, one of the most visited parts of central Paris.

Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes

Monday’s trophy parade to mark Paris Saint-Germain’s first French Football League victory in 19 years, descended into violence early in the evening.

It’s unclear who was responsible for the mayhem which left thousands of ordinary fans angry and disappointed, and caused the long-awaited appearance of the team to be cut short for security reasons.

Disgruntled supporters, far right groups and youths from under privileged areas on the outskirts of Paris have all been blamed.

Smoke bombs were thrown, windows were smashed and dozens of shop fronts and cars were damaged as youths fought pitched battles with the police, in one of the capital’s most popular tourist spots, near the Champs Elysées and the Eiffel Tower.

A coach carrying tourists was vandalised and suitcases in the luggage compartment were thrown on to the street.

In all, 32 people suffered injuries and 39 people were arrested.

Interior minister Manuel Valls today denounced the “intolerable” violence and promised stiff penalties for the perpetrators.

Tourists, ordinary supporters and local residents all expressed their anger on Tuesday and many businesspeople worried that the incident might have a negative impact on tourism as the pictures flashed around the world.

(Contested) leader of the right wing opposition UMP party, Jean-François Copé, said that if the police chief didn’t resign, then interior minister Manuel Valls should.