Celebrations marking Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal descended into chaos across France, leading to the arrest of more than 400 people and leaving several police officers injured.
Following PSG’s European success, thousands of fans flooded the streets of Paris, gathering around the Champs-Élysées and the Parc des Princes stadium to celebrate the historic win.
While many supporters marked the occasion peacefully, parts of the celebration were disrupted when groups of fans clashed with security forces. Fireworks, flares, and other pyrotechnics lit up the night sky as tensions escalated.
French authorities confirmed that a total of 416 arrests were made nationwide, with 280 of them in Paris alone. Seven police officers sustained injuries, while vehicles, shops, and other public infrastructure were damaged during the unrest.
The French Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, condemned the violence, describing the incidents as completely unacceptable. Police were forced to deploy tear gas in central Paris after some individuals vandalised property and engaged officers.
Images circulating on social media showed burning vehicles, damaged storefronts, and widespread use of flares amid the celebrations.
Political reactions also followed, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticising the recurring disorder linked to major football victories, questioning why such events continue to trigger violence in the country.
The unrest comes just a year after PSG’s previous European triumph, which was also overshadowed by violent incidents that resulted in fatalities.
Despite the disturbances, official victory celebrations for the club were still scheduled to continue, including a parade near the Eiffel Tower and a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.