Europe's most prestigious football tournament ended on Sunday (July 10) with a 1-0 defeat for the hosts France in the final against Portugal at the Stade de France, the stadium which would be the centrepiece if Paris are awarded the Games in 2024. 

The event ended on a sour note for organisers, however, after police were forced to take emergency measures to disperse the crowds who were trying to force their way into a Fan Zone situated under the Eiffel Tower after its capacity of 92,000 was reached.

Tear gas was fired by the police after they clashed with supporters throwing objects and lighting fires just yards from the back of the Fan Zone's big screen.

Piles of rubbish were set alight by hooligans seen covering their faces and gesturing towards the authorities as tensions ran high.

Police were armed with shields and batons in a bid to clear the iconic city centre tourist spot.

The earlier rounds of the tournament had also been marred by hooliganism, mainly by supporters from England and Russia. 

Overall, though, it failed to take the shine off an event whose build-up had been overshadowed by the fear of terrorism following the attack on the French capital on November 13 last year. 

A series of coordinated terrorist attacks on that night, beginning with three suicide bombers struck near the Stade de France, followed by suicide bombings and mass shootings at cafés, restaurants and a music venue in central Paris killed 130 people. 

The figure included 89 at the Bataclan theatre, where terrorists took hostages before engaging in a stand-off with police. 

Another 368 people were injured, nearly 100 of them seriously. 

It had led to claims that the tournament could be cancelled or matches held behind closed doors. 

In the end, there were no reports of any problems and it is estimated two million supporters from across Europe travelled to watch matches in France. 

Apart from the final, the Fan Zone was considered a huge success. 

It welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors over the course of the competition, 70 per cent of who were French citizens, highlighting the passion and local interest evoked by the tournament, Paris 2024 officials claimed. 

Images and footage of the incredible fan zone celebrations were beamed around the world with more than 3,100 journalists broadcasting to 100 million viewers in more than 100 countries. 

The City of Paris’ posts on social networks also totalled more than 17 million views and the search term "visit Paris" reached its highest level for two years on Google. 

A total of 400,000 people also visited the 84 events across the city that formed part of a cultural programme ran by the City of Paris to accompany the tournament.

“France already has a first-class track record in hosting major sports events and the successful Euro is further evidence of the country’s exceptional hosting capabilities," said Paris 2024 co-chairman Bernard Lapasset. 

"The excitement and celebrations that we have seen in full to capacity stadia and fan zones has been truly inspirational. 

"Paris 2024 aims to harness the passion and desire for live sport in France and channel this energy into our bid to deliver an unforgettable Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Euro 2016 was the biggest event staged in France since the 1998 FIFA World Cup. 

“It was a true honour to welcome fans to Paris from across Europe and to see the city come alive with colour, passion, anticipation and excitement," said Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo. 

"Throughout the month long tournament we have seen the true Parisian spirit of joy and inclusivity and it would be wonderful to replicate the carnival atmosphere and elite sporting action during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024.”

Paris, along with Los Angeles, is considered the front-runner to win the bid to host the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

Budapest and Rome are also bidding with the International Olympic Committee due to make a decision at its Session in Lima in September 17.