Paris police detain hundreds as PSG Champions League celebrations turn violent

Victory marred by violence

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal on penalties in a dramatic final held in Budapest, Hungary, securing their second Champions League title in a row. While tens of thousands of fans gathered peacefully to celebrate, the night was marred by significant unrest in Paris and other French cities. Police reported that smaller groups caused disturbances in various locations, vandalizing shops, setting fires, and launching projectiles at officers.

Scale of the disorder

Around 20,000 people converged on the Champs-Élysées, where police worked to contain the crowd. Near the Parc des Princes stadium, where 48,000 ticket-holders watched the match on large screens, approximately 150 supporters without tickets attempted to force entry, setting fires and erecting barricades made from bicycles. Rioters also briefly blockaded the main ring road around central Paris, causing traffic disruption. The unrest led authorities to suspend bus services in the Paris region as the crowds made safe travel impossible.

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Arrests and injuries

Arrest figures varied across sources as the situation evolved. By 10 p.m., Paris police reported 45 people in custody. French newspaper Le Monde later reported at least 235 arrests in the capital, while the nationwide total stood at 326 around midnight. At least two police officers were injured during the clashes. Police also confiscated around 100 firework bombs and used tear gas in several locations to disperse rioters.

Targeted attacks

Among the damaged properties were a bakery and a restaurant in the 16th Arrondissement. A kiosk near the Champs-Élysées was set on fire, and at least six vehicles were damaged. According to AFP, a car was set alight on the Trocadéro square, which overlooks the Eiffel Tower. Groups also attempted to storm a police station in the upscale 8th Arrondissement before being dispersed by officers.

Massive security deployment

French authorities had mobilized 22,000 police officers nationwide to maintain order, with 8,000 deployed in Paris alone. The capital was also hosting other major events on Saturday, including the Roland Garros tennis tournament and a concert by singer Aya Nakamura. The security operation echoed last year's response, when more than 500 arrests were made across France following PSG's first Champions League title.

Upcoming celebrations

Despite the overnight violence, plans remain in place for a victory parade on Sunday. An estimated 100,000 fans are expected to welcome the players. President Macron will receive the PSG team at the Élysée Palace, with a statement from the presidency praising the achievement as underscoring "the excellence of French football" just days before the World Cup.