French police arrested a total of 102 individuals identified as AS Roma supporters in downtown Nice on Tuesday night, in an effort to prevent a large-scale brawl ahead of the Europa League clash between OGC Nice and the Italian club. According to the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes, emergency services intervened immediately as several groups of fans began to gather with the clear intention of engaging in violent confrontation.

The swift action of law enforcement restored calm within minutes and dispersed those involved before the situation escalated into a larger riot. The match, part of the group stage of the European tournament and scheduled for Wednesday, had been classified by the authorities as a high-risk encounter, given the tensions between fan bases and the history of incidents in international fixtures.

To guarantee security, around 400 police officers were deployed not only at the Allianz Riviera stadium, but also at key points throughout the city and along the routes leading from the French-Italian border. The security operation was prepared in close coordination between the city of Nice, the prefecture, the clubs involved, and UEFA, with the aim of preventing any outbreak of violence before, during, or after the game.

Authorities emphasized that strict controls would be maintained at stadium entrances and in fan gathering areas to ensure public order. This large-scale deployment reflects growing concerns across Europe regarding violent incidents involving radicalized groups of supporters, which have repeatedly tarnished the image of continental football. Both OGC Nice and AS Roma, in statements prior to the match, appealed to their fans to remain calm and enjoy the sporting event responsibly.