French riots hit football: Olympique de Marseille and Lille shops looted as clubs condemn violence

Olympique de Marseille and fellow French top-flight club Lille were hit by looting and vandalism during weekend unrest across France, with both clubs condemning damage to their official shops as authorities tightened security.Marseille confirmed on Monday that its store on La Canebiere, the city’s historic high street, was the target of violence. The club said the incident caused significant property damage and forced the temporary closure of a store run by its business partner Puma.Meanwhile, Lille said its downtown store on Rue Faidherbe suffered extensive vandalism and looting on Saturday. The store will be closed until further notice.The incidents came amid some of France’s worst unrest in years, with protests against rising living costs and declining public services turning violent in several cities. Thousands of people were arrested as businesses were looted or damaged while authorities launched clean-up operations across the country.

Marseille condemns the attack, imposes a temporary closure of the store

Marseille strongly condemned the attack on its official store, expressed solidarity with Puma and confirmed that the store would remain temporarily closed.“Olympique de Marseille condemns in the strongest possible terms the acts of violence and looting aimed at its official store in Canebiere and expresses its solidarity with its partner Puma, who runs the store,” the club said in a statement.The club added that supporters could continue to visit its other official stores in Marseille and would be informed when the damaged store could reopen.City officials also banned public gatherings and demonstrations on Monday after violent protests and looting. The restrictions were to apply from noon to 8:00 p.m. local time.The unrest prompted a large-scale clean-up operation in cities across France on Sunday, from Lille in the north to Marseille in the south, as local authorities worked to clean up the damage caused over the weekend.

Lille thanks the staff and supporters for their help

Lille acknowledged the damage to its store and thanked those who offered to help in the aftermath of the violence.“LOSC would also like to acknowledge and thank everyone who has offered support over the past few hours – primarily our store staff, but also the many passers-by, fans and non-fans alike, who have spontaneously offered their help, a helping hand and words of comfort,” the club said on Sunday.The impact on both clubs comes during a busy stretch of European football. Marseille, ninth in the Ligue 1 table after seven games, are due to visit Austria’s Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Thursday.Lille, who are fourth in the French league, are scheduled to host Turkish champions Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday.