Algeria world cup festivities in France

19.11.09

Following Algeria's first qualification in world football since 1986, thousands of Algerians poured into the streets in many French cities to celebrate, waving Algerian flags. Others had other things to do in this country where north Africans and particularly Algerians suffer post-colonial exclusion and racism as a way of life.
About 150 burnt vehicles, 64 in the north, 44 in the Lyons area, 15 in Marseille, 20 in la Loire, and a few others here and there. Scooters and refuse bins were also set alight.
In Vaulx-en-Velin (Rhône), a few hundred supporters gathered, a Casino supermarket was looted, particularly the telephone and hi-fi departments. In Paris "MontBlanc" store was also looted. Windows were smashed in Lyon, Marseille, Grenoble, Roubaix (Nord) and Paris, in the Champs-Elysées, as well as the windows of an empty bus in Argenteuil (Val d’Oise) where the driver was slightly wounded.
Bottles were thrown at police in various towns who responded with teargas, particularly on the Champs-Elysées and in Grenoble.
Over 150 people were held during the night.
In Paris numerous supporters climbed trees, on to cars or electric pylons, joyfully throwing bangers and fireworks. Traffic was stopped to a standstill around the Champs-Elysées and the area transformed into a rodeo piste with young people racing on motorbikes backwheel.

from AFP report
in Cette Semaine