World Cup winner addresses French rioters: 'Get lost, we don't want you in our country!'

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FT Desk

Emmanuel Petit has launched a scathing attack on the rioters currently causing violence in France.

The rioting in France is part of a wave of nationwide protests over the cost of living, rising fuel prices and deteriorating public services, particularly conditions in schools.

The situation escalated sharply over the weekend, with peaceful demonstrations turning violent in several cities. The worst violence has been reported in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Limoges. Rioters have looted shops, set fires and attacked public buildings. In Limoges, a major fire badly damaged the historic town hall, while in Paris police used tear gas to disperse violent crowds. Authorities reported around 2,400 arrests nationwide following the weekend’s unrest.

"Today, I feel like hitting the streets and throwing down with all these little jerks because there are no other words for it," Petit said in a passionate rant on Instagram.

🚨🚨 « CASSEZ-VOUS, ON NE VEUT PLUS DE VOUS. » 😳😤

La vidéo complète d’Emmanuel Petit 🇫🇷, seul face caméra.

https://t.co/r750lfpMsG

— BeFootball (@_BeFootball) October 19, 2026

"We're destroying everything, burning everything, smashing everything, looting, stealing, injuring, assaulting, insulting."

However, the 1998 World Cup winner says it is vitally important to differentiate between the violent rioters and the initial protestors who are looking to hold politicians to account.

"We mustn't lump in the people who protested yesterday - I strongly get where they're coming from because I'm more than fed up myself with being squeezed dry like a lemon when it comes to taxes.

"There's no money for the police, no money for the army, no money for hospitals, no money for schools, there's money for no one - except for you politicians.

"I love my country, I love all the foreigners who love my country and want to integrate. But all the rest of you, starting with the French people who don't actually want France to keep being what it is, go back where you came from—we don't need you.

"And all those who were born with a French passport, get lost. We don't want you anymore!"

OM have confirmed that their club shop has been looted, while viral images showed two men who stole a signed Lionel Messi kit and armband from a sports memorabilia store.

Barcelona are due to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League this week and have been assured by French authorities that the fixture will be business as usual despite the ongoing violence.