French Prime Minister says PSG‑Barcelona clash will go ahead despite protests
Paris – Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced on Monday that the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint‑Germain and Barcelona will proceed as planned, despite the wave of violent protests that have shaken France in recent days.
Lecornu told reporters he has asked regional authorities to impose “partial” and “localised” curfews in certain cities to protect businesses after weekend demonstrations escalated into some of the most severe street unrest in recent memory. He added that a state of emergency could be declared “if necessary,” but argued that targeted curfews were a more appropriate response to the crisis.
“I am absolutely determined to restore order,” Lecornu said at a news conference following a crisis meeting. “A state of emergency is still a very serious measure, including in terms of its implementation. So if it is necessary, of course we could do it. As things stand, however, the issue of curfews, and the implementation of those curfews, seems better suited to the situation we may be facing.”
He declined to specify which cities would see partial curfews, but ruled out a blanket curfew for Paris. “These curfews must be local and partial. It is out of the question to put all of Paris under curfew,” he added.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez echoed the prime minister’s remarks, confirming that there are no plans to cancel the match.
PSG, the current European and French champions, will host Barcelona at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night. The fixture, billed as the highlight of the group stage in Europe’s premier club competition, has been under pressure since the protests began across the capital and beyond. Neither club has indicated that the unrest will affect the game, and the Spanish side arrived in Paris on Monday afternoon.
The match is set to kick off at 19:00 GMT on Tuesday.
The riots and looting have also hit other French clubs. Marseille reported significant damage to its official store on La Canebière, which has been temporarily shut. Lille said its city‑centre shop suffered extensive damage and looting and will remain closed until further notice. Lille thanked store employees and passersby, supporters and non‑supporters alike, for stepping forward to offer help, practical assistance and comfort during the turmoil.