Sports

PSG vs Barcelona Match Proceeds Amid Nationwide Student Protests

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

Paris, France – The Champions League match between Paris Saint‑Germain and Barcelona went ahead as scheduled on Tuesday, despite a week‑long student protest movement that has seen more than half a million people take to the streets across France. The game, part of the league phase, began at 9 pm local time (19:00 GMT) at the Parc des Princes. Security checks at the gates were routine and police presence was modest.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed on Monday that the match would not be cancelled, saying, “I am so happy they haven’t cancelled it. How could we miss such a match?” A 25‑year‑old PSG supporter, Paul, expressed his relief to Al Jazeera.

The protests began with demands for smaller classes, more teachers and a more equal education system. The movement grew into a nationwide campaign that led to violent clashes over the weekend. Protesters and rights groups have accused police of excessive force. A 14‑year‑old named Eden from Saint‑Ouen‑l’Aumone suffered a broken jaw after being hit by a tear‑gas grenade, while a 16‑year‑old student, Mael, lost sight in his right eye after being struck by a rubber‑bullet launcher, among other injuries. Police officials say hundreds of officers were injured during demonstrations. The police oversight body, the IGPN, has opened 34 investigations into alleged police violence as of last week.

PSG’s ultras have a history of political expression. On October 10, at the 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 body urged supporters to keep political messages out of venues. Stadium security removed the banner, and a large portion of the Auteuil stand walked out before half‑time, returning for the second half.

Fan reactions were mixed. Frederique, 52, a bank employee, said, “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.” Adrien Ridon, 34, a construction worker, disagreed, stating, “I think football and politics are two completely different things,” and added that he was glad the match had not been cancelled, noting that it would have disappointed fans who wanted to travel to see the game against Barcelona.