MARSEILLE, France — Two of France's top soccer clubs have closed official team shops after rioters broke in and stripped them during a weekend of unrest that swept cities across the country.
Olympique de Marseille said Monday that its flagship store on La Canebière, the historic main boulevard of the Mediterranean port city, was looted and badly damaged. The club condemned the attack, voiced support for apparel partner Puma, which runs the shop, and said supporters can still use its other official locations in the city until the store reopens.
In the far north, Lille said its downtown store was heavily damaged and widely looted and will stay shut until further notice. The club thanked its shop workers and the passersby, fans or not, who stopped to help after the break-in.
More than half a million people marched on Saturday against the rising cost of living and poor conditions in schools and other public services. Most demonstrations were peaceful, but small groups set fires and raided businesses in Paris, Lyon, Marseille and elsewhere. Thousands of people were arrested in some of the worst disorder France has seen in years.
City officials in Marseille responded Monday by barring rallies and other public gatherings citywide between noon and 8 p.m.
On the field, Marseille sits ninth in Ligue 1 after seven matches. The club travels to Austria to face Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Thursday.
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