In the wake of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final triumph over Arsenal, authorities across France have arrested more than 400 individuals as celebrations spiraled into chaos. The violence left several police officers injured and caused extensive property damage in Paris and other urban centers.
Thousands of ecstatic fans took to the streets following PSG’s European victory, converging on the Champs-Élysées and the area surrounding the Parc des Princes stadium to mark the historic win. While many supporters celebrated peacefully, the atmosphere soured when groups of revelers began clashing with law enforcement. Fireworks and flares lit up the night sky, adding to the turmoil.
French officials reported that 416 people were taken into custody nationwide, with 280 of those arrests occurring in the capital. The unrest left seven police officers wounded, and numerous vehicles, retail establishments, and public facilities were vandalized.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the disturbances, labeling the violence as “completely unacceptable.” Security forces deployed tear gas in central Paris to break up crowds after individuals started destroying property and confronting officers.
Social media footage captured disturbing scenes of burning cars, smashed storefronts, and flares being launched during the nighttime gatherings. The incident provoked swift political backlash, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticizing what she described as a recurring pattern of disorder tied to football celebrations.
“Only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots,” Le Pen wrote on X. “Only in France does everyone feel compelled to lock themselves in their homes on the evening of a victory to avoid being confronted with violence.” The unrest echoes similar events from the previous year, when PSG’s earlier European success was overshadowed by violent episodes that led to two fatalities, including a 17-year-old.
Despite the chaos, official victory events for PSG were set to proceed as planned on Sunday, featuring a parade near the Eiffel Tower and a reception hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.