Police deployed for PSG vs Chelsea Club World Cup final after Paris chaos
Police will be deployed 'en masse' in Paris ahead of Paris Saint Germain's Club World Cup final clash against Chelsea. The French side will look to add another trophy to their cabinet for the first time after claiming the Champions League earlier this year.
But, while the tournament finale takes place in the United States at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium with the likes of Donald Trump expected to be in attendance, France's capital is braced for any celebrations that could occur closer to home. The city will be under tight police surveillance on Sunday with 11,5000 officers expected to be deployed in Paris and the surrounding areas.
Police are making the preparations as the global final coincides with Bastille Day. The French national holiday is to be celebrated on Monday and law enforcement is said to be readying itself for the potential of both events creating public disturbances.
Following PSG's Champions League win over Inter Milan, chaotic scenes unfolded in Paris in June. Two people tragically died in France in the night following the success as celebrations descended into clashes with the police.
Tear gas was used as police faced off with the public and firefighters were forced to bring 148 fires under control as 46 vehicles were set ablaze. Thousands of people had gathered across the city before clashes took place.
As early as half-time in PSG's final win, police had used a water cannon at the Champs-Élysées. Law enforcement claimed it was to "protect the Place de l'Étoile, as the barrier set up had been broken through by a large crowd of people not watching the match, pushing to come into contact with the police".
A total of 426 people were arrested, including 417 in Paris. Amidst the tensions 13 police officers and 192 others were injured.
In the US, PSG boss Luis Enrique is focused on bringing more success to the club. The Spaniard is not taking Chelsea lightly despite the west Londoners finishing fourth in the Premier League.
Enrique said: "The Champions League was our first and it was very important: that was our main objective when we came to Paris last year.
"And on Sunday we have the chance, with the last game of the season, to win another one, with the Club World Cup. But it is important that we are conscious of the difficulty of the game.
"Enzo Maresca is a coach I love. I love the way he has of playing with the ball. They have a lot of good individual players but they also have a real sense of duty. They are a bit like our team. They are physically strong too. It will be a very even game and a very difficult one."
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