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A spontaneous disturbance unfolded in Besançon shortly after a Champions League match, sparking chaos in several city districts. Traffic came to a standstill near the Robert Schwint bridge when a group of around fifty individuals, mostly underage, engaged in reckless behavior. They hurled objects at responding officers, leaving five police officers with minor injuries. Startled motorists found themselves trapped as some protesters climbed onto their vehicles, with one car sustaining damage. The crowd then dispersed toward the city center, congregating notably at Place de la Révolution.
In the aftermath, streets such as Grande rue, Battant, and Rue Courbet became battlegrounds as law enforcement deployed tear gas to disperse the unruly assembly. Diners enjoying outdoor cafés were swiftly ushered indoors by restaurant staff to avoid exposure. Bystanders reported bicycles tipped over and vandalized, while public property also bore the brunt of the destruction.
Mayor speaks out against unruly behavior
The city’s leadership swiftly condemned the outbreak of violence. Mayor Ludovic Fagaut took to social media to denounce the actions, stating, “There is no justification for exploiting a popular sporting event to commit vandalism, disrupt public order, and instill fear.” He reassured residents that authorities are actively identifying those responsible with the intent of bringing them to justice.
Following the disturbances, riot police units were deployed to restore calm. Witnesses noted that while crowds of 600 to 800 people wandered the streets post-match, only a fraction—around fifty—turned aggressive toward police officers. To date, five individuals have been detained, including four minors and one adult.
