Fund for French boxer who punched officers raises money, ire French government ministers criticize public donations fund for a former boxing champion who was captured on video punching police officers during last weekend's yellow vest protests in Paris

PARIS -- French government ministers have criticized a public fundraising drive for a former boxing champion who was seen on video appearing to punch police officers during the most recent yellow vest protests in Paris.

Online platform Leetchi said Tuesday that donors pledged over 100,000 euros ($115,000) to support Christophe Dettinger and the money would be used to pay legal fees.

Leetchi later closed the fund after prominent ministers in French President Emmanuel Macron's government expressed outrage.

Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa told France Info radio the fundraiser was "illegal" because "it backs a criminal act, that is to say, gratuitous violence."

The 37-year-old Dettinger was taken into custody on Monday.

A parallel fund was launched to support injured police officers.