Following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) victory against Arsenal in the Champions League final, widespread clashes erupted between football fans and police across France during the ensuing celebrations. In connection with these incidents, the country’s police have already arrested more than 400 people. BBC Online confirmed this information in its report.
To maintain control over the situation, thousands of police officers have been deployed to various key areas, including the capital, Paris. Nevertheless, disorder spread in numerous locations centered around the celebrations, impacting the country’s public transportation system as well.
The report states that during the festivities, football enthusiasts set off fireworks and flares, causing the situation to escalate further. Incidents of chases and counter-chases occurred between police and supporters in multiple locations, and several police officers sustained injuries during the clashes.
Various video footage showed fireworks and flares being ignited on the streets of Paris. Electric bikes were seen engulfed in flames, and the display window of at least one shop was vandalized.
France’s iconic Champs-Élysées Avenue was flooded with thousands of supporters immediately after the victory. Prior to this, throughout the day, intermittent clashes had taken place between police and supporters gathered at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes stadium to watch the match on giant screens.
Police reported that at least six vehicles, two commercial establishments, and a bus shelter were damaged during these acts of violence and disorder.
According to data from the French Ministry of the Interior, 416 people were arrested by early Sunday morning in connection with the violence surrounding the celebrations of PSG’s Champions League victory; of these, 280 individuals were detained in Paris alone.
The country’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, stated that seven police officers were injured in the clashes. He described the entire incident as “completely unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, these acts of violence have also sparked reactions within the country’s political sphere. Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader of France, wrote on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that such a situation—where people are forced to lock themselves inside their homes out of fear of violence, even on a night of victory—is seen only in France.
Meanwhile, the club’s players are scheduled to participate in a victory parade on Sunday afternoon. This event includes a visit to the Champ de Mars area near the country’s Eiffel Tower, followed by a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Prior to this, violence also erupted surrounding the celebrations last year after PSG won a European title. At least two people were killed in the clashes at that time—including a 17-year-old teenager.
