PSG fans split over protests as Barcelona match proceeds

Paris, France – On Tuesday, supporters gathered outside the Parc des Princes for scarves and drinks before one of the Champions League’s headline games. Paris Saint‑Germain, the defending champions, faced Barcelona, five‑time European winners, in a league‑phase match that started at 9 p.m. local time (19:00 GMT). Security checks were routine and police presence modest, but the country has been rocked by a student movement that has drawn more than half a million demonstrators onto the streets and, at times, met with force.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Monday that the fixture would go ahead as scheduled despite the unrest. “I am so happy they haven’t cancelled it. How could we miss such a match?” said Paul, a 25‑year‑old engineer wearing a PSG scarf, to Al Jazeera.

The protests began as a student campaign demanding smaller class sizes, more teachers and a fairer education system. Discontent quickly spread beyond the classrooms, swelling into a nationwide movement that erupted into violent riots over the weekend. Protesters and rights groups have accused police of using excessive force. A 14‑year‑old named Eden in Saint‑Ouen‑l’Aumône suffered a broken jaw after a tear‑gas grenade struck him, while 16‑year‑old Mael lost sight in his right eye after being hit by a rubber‑bullet launcher, among other reported injuries.

Authorities have defended the police response, noting that hundreds of officers were injured during the demonstrations. The police oversight body, the IGPN, opened 34 investigations into alleged police violence last week.

PSG’s ultras have a history of political expression. On 10 October, during a match against Le Mans, the Collectif Ultras Paris displayed a banner supporting the protests that read, “Your militia represses, our youth resists.” The French Football Federation’s ethics committee urged fans to keep political messages out of stadiums. Security staff ordered the banner removed, and a large portion of the Auteuil stand left the stadium before half‑time, returning for the second half.

Fans’ opinions were clearly divided on Tuesday. “Everyone is free to express their opinions, and if the supporters’ club, with everything that’s going on, wants to show its support for the students, then fine,” said Frédérique, 52, a bank employee. In contrast, Adrien Ridon, 34, who works in construction, argued, “I think football and politics are two completely different things,” adding that he was relieved the match had not been cancelled. “It would have made fans like us very sad not to be able to travel tonight to see the match against Barca, which is huge.”