The Riviera city of Nice banned the display of foreign flags Monday as French authorities tightened security ahead of a World Cup match between Germany and Algeria following riots after the last two Algerian games, reports FRANCE 24.
Christian Estrosi, the right-wing mayor of Nice, issued a decree temporarily banning what he termed the “ostentatious display of foreign flags” in the centre of the Riviera city, which is home to many people of Algerian heritage.
“Since the start of the World Cup we have sadly seen intolerable behaviour that severely disrupts public peace,” Estrosi added. He said the ban would remain in force until the end of the tournament.
When Algeria drew 1-1 against Russia on Thursday to qualify for the next round, France experienced an eruption of joy from its many Algerian supporters at home.
Not all of it was peaceful. With simmering racial tensions and ingrained hatred of the police among France’s immigrant population, there were confrontations with police and some 74 people were arrested.
That was more than double the 30-odd arrested on June 22 after Algeria’s win over South Korea.
Read more of this report from FRANCE 24.