Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League match against Barcelona will go ahead on Tuesday despite violent protests in France, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has said.
The fixture at the Parc des Princes is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT, with Barcelona arriving in Paris on Monday ahead of the contest.
Speaking after a crisis meeting, Mr Lecornu said regional authorities had been asked to consider partial and localised curfews in some cities to protect businesses after demonstrations over the weekend descended into severe street violence.
He said a state of emergency could be introduced “if necessary”, but suggested that targeted curfews were currently more appropriate.
“I am absolutely determined to restore order,” Mr Lecornu said.
He added: “A state of emergency is still a very serious measure, including in terms of its implementation. So if it is necessary, of course we could do it. As things stand, however, the issue of curfews, and the implementation of those curfews, seems better suited to the situation we may be facing.”
The Prime Minister did not identify the cities that could face restrictions or explain how they would operate. He ruled out a full curfew across the capital, saying: “These curfews must be local and partial. It is out of the question to put all of Paris under curfew.”
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said there were no plans to cancel the match. Neither PSG nor Barcelona has indicated that the unrest will prevent the fixture from taking place.
PSG, the reigning European and French champions, will host the Spanish side in one of the most anticipated matches of the Champions League group stage.
The protests have also affected French clubs away from the pitch. Marseille said its official shop on La Canebiere had suffered “significant damage” and was temporarily closed, while Lille reported extensive damage and widespread looting at its city-centre store.
