French authorities detain 416 as PSG victory triggers nationwide unrest
Violent clashes across Paris and other French cities led to widespread arrests, injuries to police officers, and significant property damage on the night of Paris Saint-Germain’s second consecutive European title win.
French authorities have detained 416 individuals across the country following violent clashes that erupted on Saturday night, coinciding with Paris Saint-Germain’s retention of the Champions League title. The unrest, which marred the celebrations in the capital and other regions, prompted the deployment of approximately 22,000 police officers nationwide, with 8,000 stationed specifically in Paris to manage the crowds.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the disorder as "absolutely unacceptable," reporting that seven police officers were wounded during the incidents. The ministry confirmed that six vehicles and two businesses were damaged, alongside the destruction of a bus shelter near the Champs-Elysees. Authorities also seized approximately two dozen flares and 100 fireworks from the scenes of the unrest.
Tensions escalated significantly around the Parc des Princes stadium, where thousands of supporters gathered to watch the final against Arsenal. Police reported that projectiles were thrown at officers, leading to the use of tear gas to disperse crowds. Approximately 150 individuals attempted to breach the stadium through a gate but were repelled by security forces, while others tried to erect barricades using rental bicycles, which were subsequently cleared.
In the city centre, around 20,000 people converged on the Champs-Elysees avenue. The situation was further complicated by supporters storming the Paris ring road, or peripherique, which brought traffic to a halt and resulted in the release of flares. Public transport networks were disrupted, with tram lines halted and several metro stations closed in an effort to minimise disturbances ahead of the match.
The violence drew sharp criticism from political figures, including Marine Le Pen, who stated on social media that "only in France does a football club's victory spark riots." Despite the chaos, officials emphasised that a "very robust" security system was in place to ensure safety. A team parade is scheduled for Sunday afternoon on the Champs-de-Mars, expecting an attendance of 100,000 people, before the squad is received by President Emmanuel Macron.
