PHOTOS: Two fans dead as World Cup celebrations in France turn violent

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Jubilant celebrations across France following the national football team’s triumph at the 2018 World Cup turned chaotic with two fans dead as violence erupted in the country.

France was crowned World Cup champions for the second time in their history, previously winning in 1998, after defeating Croatia 4-2 in the 2018 Final on Sunday.

Celebrations turned violent with reports of widespread looting and rioting in the capital of Paris.

Authorities fired tear gas on large groups of supporters in central Paris and used water cannons to disperse crowds, the Independent reported.

“In the city of Annecy, 350 miles east of Paris, a 50-year-old man died after he jumped into a canal and broke his neck” following France’s victory, while “in Saint-Feliz, a man believed to be in his 30s died after he crashed into a tree as he was celebrating,” it added.

Many others suffered injuries during celebrations with clashes between police and fans involving about 100 people reported in Lyon.

Nearly 4,000 police and security forces were deployed to control the riots with hundreds arrested in several cities, the Independent noted.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup took place between June 14 and July 15 with 32 teams from five different confederations competing.

The tournament produced some shocking results, including the unexpected exit of defending champions Germany at the group stage as well as early exits for tournament favorites Portugal, Argentina, and Brazil.

Qatar will host the next World Cup in 2022 which will be the first tournament played during the winter (Nov. 21 to Dec. 18, 2022) due to extreme heat in the country during the summer.