Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PARIS (AP) — The city of Nice, on France's Cote d'Azur, is banning the "ostentatious display" of foreign flags during the World Cup, citing security concerns.
Monday's announcement comes hours ahead of the Algeria-Germany match in Brazil. France, which has a sizable population with Algerian roots, saw 74 arrests after Algeria drew with Russia to qualify for the round of 16, and Algerian flags are draped outside windows and emblazoned on cars throughout the country.
Christian Estrosi, deputy mayor of Nice and a member of the conservative UMP party, signed the municipal order, citing "intolerable behavior that disrupts public tranquility." Foreign flags are banned from 6 p.m. until 4 a.m.
The city said the order would not affect the stand of international flags along Nice's famed "English Promenade."
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
