More than 160 people were arrested in Paris and Lyon following clashes and disturbances after France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, broadcaster BFMTV reported Wednesday.
According to the Paris Police Prefecture, 141 people were detained in the Paris region in connection with incidents that occurred after Tuesday evening’s match. Most of the arrests were linked to the use of firework mortars allegedly aimed at police officers and emergency service personnel.
Authorities said no serious injuries were reported following the incidents.
Read: Blaze near Paris burns on as Europe heats up
In Lyon, several hundred people gathered at Place Bellecour to watch the semifinal. After Spain’s victory, small groups reportedly formed in the area, with some throwing projectiles, including fireworks, toward police.
French riot police intervened and arrested around 20 people in connection with the disturbances. The detainees were reportedly born between 2002 and 2011.
No injuries or significant property damage were reported in Lyon, according to local authorities.
Read More: The FIFA World Cup final halftime lineup is here — who’s on it?
Suffocating France, Spain powered into their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 with a dominant victory that left the tournament’s most feared attack gasping for air.
From the opening whistle, the Spaniards wrapped themselves around France like an anaconda, tightening their grip with every wave of pressing and every spell of possession until the life had been squeezed from a French strike force that had looked irresistible throughout the tournament.
Spain are now within one victory of completing a World Cup-European Championship double. They will discover their final opponents on Wednesday when England face Argentina in Atlanta for a place in Sunday’s showpiece.
