French city bans foreign flags during World Cup

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.''