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Flares, Police, Tear Gas in Paris as Celebrations of Algerian Football Victory Turn into Clashes

The Algerian national football team won 2-1 against Nigeria, moving on to Friday’s final against Senegal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sputnik

Scores of fans took to the streets of the French capital Paris to express their joy after the Algerian national football team secured a spot in the final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Fans set off flares and celebrated their team's victory amid a police presence on the Champs Elysees.

Users posted videos of the crowds celebrating the events on their social media pages.

The celebrations later turned into clashes, with the police using tear gas and rubber bullets.

Earlier in the day, French police had to use tear gas to disperse protesters who occupied the Champs Elysees hours after French President Emmanuel Macron together with other European leaders took part in a military parade to mark the national holiday, known as July 14 in France and Bastille Day abroad.

On Thursday, clashes erupted during mass celebrations of the Algerian national football team’s victory in the quarterfinal of the Africa Cup of Nations. Police had to use tear gas to disperse the crowds and detained 43 people. At least two stores were looted in the centre of the French capital, according to media reports.

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