Nice mayor Christian Estrosi said that he will bill FC Köln for damage and vandalism to the city during Köln’s match against OGC Nice in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.
A reported 10,000 fans are thought to have made the trip from Germany to the French Riviera. The match itself was marred by violence as Köln fans crossed the stadium to confront the Nice ultras, leading to violent confrontations between the opposing fans.
But the problems began earlier in the day. The German fans met in Place Masséna, the main square in Nice, prior to the game and vandalised the club’s official shop. There were other reports of damage from Köln fans around the city, especially around transport hubs such as tramways.
According to RMC, the damage from Köln fans amounts to around €50,000 and seven tonnes worth of rubbish was collected by the authorities.
Estrosi took to Twitter to criticise the behaviour of Köln fans and said that he would be billing the club itself for damages. “I deplore the Köln supporters’ uncivil and scandalous behaviour and the lack of respect they showed to the city that welcomed them in a generous and brotherly way. We will be addressing the bills linked to the damage, and the clean-up of public spaces, to the club.”
GFFN
