PSG lift French Cup as fans battle

(L to R) Paris' Ivorian forward Bonaventure Kalou is congratulated by his teamate Cameroonian midfielder Modeste Mbami and French midfielder Edouard Cisse after he scored a goal during the French cup final football match Marseille vs. Paris Saint-Germain, at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, northern Paris.

Paris Saint Germain won the French Cup for the seventh time with a 2-1 victory over bitter rivals Marseille but the showpiece was scarred by fighting between fans outside the Stade de France.

Bonaventure Kalou, after six minutes, and Vikash Dhorasoo, in the 49th minute, put the capital city side in charge before a 67th-minute reply from Toifilou Maoulida gave Marseille a glimmer of hope.

Outside the ground, fears of trouble between the two sets of supporters were violently realised with riot police using CS gas to break up running battles in the streets.

Police made 32 arrests with charges ranging from theft to assault.

Marseille never recovered from going a goal down after just five minutes.

Defender Taye Taiwo tried to dribble the ball out of defence but he was caught in possession by the alert Edouard Cisse whose smart pass across goal fell invitingly for Kalou.

His powerful drive was too severe for Fabien Barthez in goal and PSG had the initiative. Marseille had chances to hit back before the break.

First, Mickael Pagis picked up a fine pass from Sabri Lamouchi but Bernard Mendy put in a timely interception.

Then, on the half-hour mark, Taiwo tried to atone for his earlier blunder but his 25-metre shot just sailed over the top of Lionel Letizi's goal while Mamadou Niang also squandered a good chance.

Marseille were soon made to pay when PSG made it 2-0 just four minutes into the second half when international midfielder Dhorasoo unleashed a 25-metre drive which left Barthez helpless.

Cisse then saw a 62nd minute free-kick saved by Barthez and Marseille made the most of their fortune when Maoulida pulled one back when he coolly finished Niang's pass.

But despite concerted late pressure, Marseille were unable to find the equaliser which could have taken the match into extra-time.