Watch: Violent riots erupt in France after semi-final defeat to Spain; social media mocks protest football | Today’s news
Following the shock defeat of France, violent riots broke out in several French cities. Spain beat France 2-0 in the semi-finals of the World Cup yesterday.
Angry and devastated fans clashed with the police immediately afterwards. Widespread public disturbances followed, including damage to vehicles and destruction of property.
“Police should be allowed to use deadly force. Otherwise these idiots will riot over everything,” the social media user wrote.
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The riots were sparked by fan anger and devastation following France’s 2-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals, leading to clashes with police and widespread public unrest.
Social media users mocked the protests and riots, questioning the sensibility of fans who seem to riot whether France win or lose, and pondering the emotional investment in football.
A penalty, converted by Mikel Oyarzabal, and a second goal by Pedro Porro secured Spain’s victory, demonstrating tactical superiority and effective game management.
Given the recurring nature of football-related riots, as highlighted by the recent riots, many believe that stricter measures and better crowd management are necessary to maintain public order.
Underlying factors include high youth unemployment, social frustration and heavy-handed policing that escalated tensions during large public gatherings.
Read also | 2026 FIFA World Cup: France coach Deschamps attacks referee after semi-final loss
“Looks like the French have just discovered a new sport: protest football. I hope they bring the same flair to the streets as they do to the pitch,” was the sarcastic comment.
“France lost 2-0 to Spain. So naturally the French riot. The fans seem to riot when they win and riot when they lose? Does that make sense to you?” wondered one user.
One user joked: “The French team can still reach the final if they rename Paris Airport FIFA Finals.”
“Any government that continues to witness scenes like this and still hold the view that these people are actually making a positive contribution to our society has absolutely lost the plot,” read another.
This incident is part of a wider pattern across the country. Football-related unrest has repeatedly hit France in recent months.
LiveMint could not independently verify the authenticity of the viral videos of the alleged riots.
In May 2026, Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League final. This victory sparked massive “celebratory riots” in 75 French cities.
Read also | FIFA World Cup 2026: Pedro Porro explains the reason behind his goal celebration against France
Rioters extensively destroyed property, torched cars and looted shops. During these riots, more than 890 people were reportedly arrested across the country.
According to the BBC, 219 people were injured during the PSG riots. Eight of them remained in serious condition, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said.
Thousands of police officers were deployed to control the riots. Fifty-seven officers were injured amid disrupted transport services in Paris.
Nunez confirmed 780 arrests, more than 450 people remain in custody. One person died in an accident on the Paris circuit.
“We are a great country for maintaining public order. We allow freedom of assembly, but not excesses,” he said.
Despite this, PSG’s victory parade passed peacefully around the Eiffel Tower. The players later met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.
Read also | William Saliba injury update: France’s star defender ruled out against Spain
France’s quarter-final win over Morocco also sparked violence. This match caused damage to bus stops and vehicle fires.
Authorities and researchers point to several basic social factors. France’s interior ministry accuses volatile groups of exploiting large gatherings.
Heavy policing, including tear gas, often further escalates existing tensions. Deep socioeconomic frustration also fuels these recurring outbreaks of violence. High youth unemployment and social marginalization remain a persistent underlying problem.
France vs Spain: What happened?
Spain beat France 2-0 in World Cup semi-final. This secured them a place in Spain’s second ever World Cup final. The last time they reached the final (2010), they lifted the trophy.
Lamine Yamal won the penalty in the 22nd minute. Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted it into the right corner. France then soon lost William Saliba to injury. Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s lead with a sharp finish. That came after some clever tiki-taka between the Spanish players all over the pitch.
Read also | ‘France played badly because…’: Social media rips Kylian Mbappe’s team apart
Spain put on a tactical masterclass and completely starved France of rhythm. France managed just 0.26 expected goals for the whole match.
Spain became only the second team to stop Kylian Mbappe from scoring at this World Cup. Spain’s unbeaten streak now extends to 37 games. Earlier, Spain eliminated France in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 with a 2-1 victory.
