Hundreds nicked. Dozens bloodied. The Champions League final in Paris descended into a scene of chaos last night, as French police battled with British hooligans and local youths. The violence erupted outside the Stade de France before kick-off, with eyewitnesses describing 'scenes of utter madness.'
Whitehall is watching with growing alarm. Sources tell me the Home Office is bracing for a diplomatic row with Paris. The French interior minister has already pointed the finger at 'English thugs.' But whispers from the Elysee suggest the failures of French policing are just as much to blame.
What is the political calculus? This is a gift for the opposition. Labour's shadow home secretary is sharpening her attacks. Expect a Commons statement on Monday. The PM's team is nervous. A botched response could be fatal for a government already on the ropes.
The game is now about who gets the blame. Both sides will spin. But the real story is the rotting state of policing in Europe. This was a disaster waiting to happen. And it's just the beginning.
