VIOLENT clashes erupted between football fans and riot cops in Europe tonight after France’s victory over Morocco in the World Cup.
Cops were pummelled by fireworks in Paris as thousands poured into the streets to celebrate after France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the final.
Quartier GeneralRiots cops were hit by fireworks in Paris as thousands of fans poured into the streets[/caption]
Quartier GeneralFootball fans hurled fireworks at riot cops in Paris after France beat Morocco 2-0[/caption]
ReutersClashes also broke out between fans and riot cops in Brussels[/caption]
AFPRiot cops clash with fans in Brussels[/caption]
GettyRiots cops in Paris as supporters celebrate victory after France defeated Morocco[/caption]
AFPChaos erupted in Brussels after the World Cup semi-final[/caption]
AFPFans set fires in a street in Brussels[/caption]
AFPRiot cops face fans in the streets of Brussels after the match[/caption]
Shocking footage showed chaotic scenes as fans bombarded riot cops with a stream of fireworks before the officers were forced to flee the line of fire.
Another clip in the French capital showed police pushing back fans as they set off flares at the Champs Elysees.
In Brussels, police deployed tear gas after scuffles broke out and fans set off flares and lit fires in the street.
Dozens have reportedly been arrested in the Belgian capital.
In the French city of Montpellier, shocking footage also appeared to show fans throwing chairs, fireworks and rocks at riot cops.
A young boy also died after a car ploughed into him amid the chaos in the city, the local government confirmed.
Horror video footage captured the moment the car smashed into him at speed and drove off.
A spokesperson for the Hérault government said: “A young boy was violently hit on Wednesday evening in Montpellier by a car following the semi-final match of the World Cup.
“He was transferred to hospital in an absolute emergency. He died shortly after receiving medical care.”
They said the vehicle was found nearby and cops have launched an urgent investigation.
It comes after thousands of police descended on the French capital in readiness for “civil war” to erupt.
Following desperate calls from officials, 10,000 French police were mobilised across the country including 5,000 in Paris.
Worried residents and shop owners in Paris also battened down ahead of the expected carnage.
Following Morocco’s stunning victory over Portugal last week, more than 20,000 adrenaline-fuelled fans flooded the avenue and caused chaos.
Sporadic clashes broke out between hooligans and police who fired tear gas and charged several times.
Several shops were damaged, cars were set on fire and there were 100 arrests.
The French colonial history of Morocco has caused divisions among some residents.
Between 1912 and 1956 the African nation was under French rule and was called the French Protectorate in Morocco.
Despite being granted independence, France still wields influence in the country causing a bit of resentment among some of the population.
There are about 1.5 million Moroccan community numbers that live in France.
AFPFootball fans hold smoke flares as they celebrate[/caption] Read More