Paris Erupts in Violence After PSG's Champions League Victory: Over 400 Arrests, 7 Officers Injured
Widespread violence broke out across France after Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final, leading to over 400 arrests and injuries to seven police officers.
Celebrations for Paris Saint-Germain's second consecutive Champions League title descended into chaos on Saturday night, as clashes between fans and police erupted in Paris and other French cities. The violence, which authorities described as "absolutely unacceptable," resulted in 416 arrests and left seven officers injured, one seriously.
The Final and Immediate Aftermath
PSG secured their victory against Arsenal in a penalty shootout during the final held in Budapest. However, trouble began even before the match ended. In Paris, violence broke out just six minutes after kickoff when Arsenal scored the first goal, provoking local PSG fans to throw chairs and bottles at police. After the final whistle, the situation escalated dramatically.
Scale of the Unrest
More than 20,000 people gathered on the Champs-Élysées, where the atmosphere shifted from celebration to confrontation. Police reported that 4,000 to 5,000 individuals clashed with security forces near the Parc des Princes stadium, where tens of thousands had watched the match on giant screens. Rioters set fire to electric bikes and scooters, using some as barricades, and caused damage to a bakery, a restaurant, six vehicles, and a bus shelter. Flares and fireworks were launched, and police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Police Response and Casualties
A massive security operation involving 22,000 officers nationwide, including 8,000 in Paris, was deployed in anticipation of trouble, following deadly riots after PSG's 2025 title win. Despite this, 416 people were arrested, including 283 in the greater Paris area. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that seven officers were injured, one seriously in the southwestern city of Agen. Around 150 people attempted to force entry through a gate at the Parc des Princes but were repelled by police.
Transport and Public Disruption
Public transport was severely affected. Paris tram lines were halted, several metro stations were closed, and a bus shelter near the Champs-Élysées was set on fire. The transport authority IDF Mobilites withdrew all buses from the city center to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers. The peripheral road around Paris was also blocked.
Political Reactions and Next Steps
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen commented on the violence, stating that only in France does a football club's victory trigger riots and force people to lock themselves in their homes. Despite the unrest, a victory parade for the PSG players is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, featuring a route at the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower, followed by a reception hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.
Only in France does a football club's victory trigger riots. Only in France does everyone feel the need to lock themselves in their homes on the night of a victory to avoid facing violence.
These riots are absolutely unacceptable.
- Champions League final kicks off in Budapest; PSG faces Arsenal.
- Violence erupts in Paris after Arsenal scores the first goal; fans throw chairs and bottles at police.
- PSG wins the final in a penalty shootout; celebrations begin across France.
- Clashes intensify near Parc des Princes and Champs-Élysées; 4,000-5,000 people confront security forces.
- Rioters set fires, vandalize shops, and attack police; tear gas deployed to disperse crowds.
- Police confirm 416 arrests and 7 officers injured; public transport suspended in central Paris.
