World Cup 2022. Ban on the sale or use of fireworks in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais on the sidelines of the France-Morocco meeting
The prefectures of Nord and Pas-de-Calais have taken orders in this direction to avoid any risk after the match between the Blues and the Atlas Lions. In Lille, several police officers were injured after the last meetings.
A D-1 before the meeting between the Blues and the Atlas Lions scheduled for Wednesday, December 14 at 8 p.m., the prefects of Nord and Pas-de-Calais prefer to warn: regardless of the result of the semi-final between France and Morocco, the party will be possible, but without fireworks.
The decrees, published this Tuesday, December 13, stipulate that “the transport, improper wearing and use of fireworks (…) are prohibited on public roads” for non-professionals.
In the North, the ban begins Wednesday, December 14, 8 a.m., and lasts until December 15, 8 a.m. Slight nuance in the Pas-de-Calais: the decree comes into force Wednesday from 2 p.m. and ends the next day at 6 a.m.
A note that sales to individuals are also prohibited during this period in both departments.
A decision motivated by the use of fireworks by French or Moroccan supporters in the street after each victory since the start of the world.
In addition, the prefects of Nord and Pas-de-Calais recalled that “several incidents of throwing firecrackers and firing mortars have been observed”, especially in Lille or Lens during festive gatherings on the sidelines of the eighth and quarter-finals.
Considering that the France-Morocco meeting of December 14, 2022 for the semi-final, and whatever the result, suggests that gatherings of the same nature will occur with a risk of dangerous use of pyrotechnic devices (… ), the transport, improper carrying and use of fireworks of categories F2 to F4 are prohibited.
Extract from the decree published on December 13, 2022 by the Nord prefecture
On December 6, 13 police officers were injured in Lille, in particular “superficial burns linked to the use of pyrotechnic devices”, recalls the prefect of the North. Four days later, in the quarter-finals “and in particular the victory of Morocco”15 police officers were victims of mortars and 6 civil servants were injured.
In the Oise, the mayor of Compiègne also issued a municipal decree to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks. The only difference with the prefectures of Nord and Pas-de-Calais: this one runs… until the end of the World Cup.
A justified decision because Compiègne “suffered several episodes of urban violence, such as mortars fired at the police”recalls Philippe Marini, first city councillor.
Thus, impossible to sell or use fireworks on the perimeter of the town until Monday, December 19, 8 am. For those wishing to defy the ban, the fine will amount to 150 euros.