More than 400 people have been arrested across France after celebrations marking Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Champions League victory over Arsenal deteriorated into widespread clashes between football fans and law enforcement.
Thousands of police officers were deployed nationwide to manage the crowds, particularly in the capital, where public transportation services—including buses, trains, and rail networks—suffered severe disruptions.
Escalation in the Capital
The unrest began ahead of the final whistle, with initial skirmishes reported outside PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium, where supporters had gathered to watch the match on giant screens. Following PSG's victory in a penalty shootout, thousands of fans swarmed the Champs-Élysées.
The celebrations rapidly escalated into violence. Public property was targeted, resulting in:
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The destruction of at least one shopfront.
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Damage to six vehicles, two businesses, and a bus shelter.
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Street fires involving electric bicycles.
Law enforcement deployed tear gas to disperse crowds in the city center as fans ignited fireworks and flares. According to authorities, 416 individuals were detained in the early hours of Sunday, with 280 of those arrests occurring in Paris.
Official and Political Response
The violence follows similar unrest during PSG's championship celebrations last year, which resulted in fatalities. Paris Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that authorities had anticipated potential disruption this year by implementing a "very robust, very solid system in place."
Nuñez confirmed that seven police officers sustained injuries during the deployments, condemning the rioting as "absolutely unacceptable."
The incidents have also drawn political sharp criticism. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen released a statement on social media, questioning the recurring nature of the violence. "Only in France does a football club's victory spark riots," Le Pen wrote, adding that citizens felt compelled to remain indoors to avoid the unrest.
Scheduled Celebrations
Despite the overnight disruptions, official victory celebrations are proceeded as planned. The PSG squad is scheduled to participate in a victory parade on Sunday afternoon, featuring a tour of the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower, followed by an official reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
