RIOTS erupted in France with over 160 arrested as police were attacked with fireworks after they were dumped out of the World Cup.
Paris and Lyon saw the worst of the chaos after the final whistle with projectiles launched at officers following the surprise semi-final defeat to Spain.
At least 141 arrests had been made in the French capital as of 6am this morning in connection to the post-game violence.
The majority of the arrests were related to the use of firework mortars aimed at law enforcement and emergency services, a source at the Paris Police Prefecture told BFMTV.
Similar fury erupted in Lyon after hundreds of supporters had gathered to watch the match at a fan zone in Place Bellecourt.
Police had to use tear gas to disperse crowds as they shut down the metro station due to the chaos.
Projectiles were thrown at police and garbage cans were set on fire with 20 people being arrested.
No one was injured in Paris or Lyon with no major property damage being reported.
Police praised the majority of fans who acted responsibly after the shock defeat.
The game took place on the same day as Bastille Day – an annual holiday in France – with planned celebrations pushed back so people could watch the game.
France had deployed an extra 70,000 security personnel across the country due to the World Cup and Bastille Day clashing.
Interior minister Laurent Nuñez told BFMTV that officials were “maintaining a high level of vigilance,” and were ready to “put an immediate stop to any disorder”.
Nuñez added: “No unruly behavior will be tolerated.”
French President Emmanuel Macron had said after the match: “Bravo to Spain for this qualification. Thank you to the Bleus for carrying our colors with commitment.
“Tonight’s defeat is hard to take, but this team is young and full of promise.”
World Cup favourites France were sensationally dumped out by European champions Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.
Mikel Oyarzabal put the Spaniards ahead from the penalty spot following a reckless challenge from Lucas Digne on Lamine Yamal.
Pedro Porro added a second with France unable to create any real chances as Kylian Mbappe and co were sent home after a poor performance in Dallas.
Luis de la Fuente’s side will now play the winners of England vs Argentina, who face off in tomorrow’s second final-four clash.
The final will take place in New Jersey on Sunday with France having to stay in the US for another few days ahead of the 3rd/4th place game.
France has a history of violence after football matches with more than 400 people being arrested as thousands of fans ran rampant through the streets of Paris after PSG’s victory against Arsenal in the Champions League final in May.
Rioting broke out as early as the first half of the match, which Arsenal lost on penalties.
The worst trouble was in the Chatelet area of the city, between Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre museum.
