PSG Champions League Victory Marred by Clashes: Hundreds Arrested Across France as Celebrations Turn Violent
Celebrations for Paris Saint-Germain's second consecutive Champions League title descended into chaos on Saturday night, with hundreds of arrests and clashes between rioters and police across France, particularly on the Champs-Élysées.
Title defense and immediate celebrations
Paris Saint-Germain secured their second Champions League title in club history, defeating FC Arsenal 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the final in Budapest. The victory, which defended their title from the previous year, sparked immediate celebrations across France. Around 20,000 fans gathered on the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris, while the Parc des Princes stadium hosted an official public viewing that was nearly full, accommodating between 40,000 and 48,000 spectators.
Clashes and police response
However, the festivities were marred by significant violence. Authorities deployed approximately 22,000 police officers nationwide, with 8,000 concentrated in Paris alone. On the Champs-Élysées, masked individuals repeatedly clashed with security forces, exchanging projectiles and fireworks for tear gas. The French Interior Ministry reported that 416 people were arrested across the country, including 283 in the capital. Other sources, citing the Paris prefecture, reported around 80 arrests in the city, with 45 taken into police custody.
Seven police officers were injured.
Damage and incidents
Beyond the arrests, the violence resulted in property damage. Six vehicles and two businesses were damaged according to the Interior Ministry. Near the Parc des Princes, a bakery and a restaurant were specifically targeted. A bus stop was also destroyed, and additional property damage was reported in various areas of the capital as the night progressed.
Echoes of last year's tragedy
The heavy police presence was a direct response to the massive riots that followed PSG's first Champions League win the previous year. Those 2025 celebrations resulted in widespread destruction, looting, 200 injuries, and two deaths. In an effort to prevent a repeat, Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire had called on the public to celebrate with joy and mutual respect ahead of the match.
Celebrate with joy and mutual respect.
Upcoming official celebrations
Despite the overnight violence, official celebrations are scheduled to continue. Nearly 100,000 people are expected in Paris on Sunday afternoon for further festivities. French President Emmanuel Macron is also set to receive the PSG team at the Élysée Palace to honor their achievement.
- PSG defeats FC Arsenal 4-3 on penalties in the Champions League final in Budapest.
- Around 20,000 fans gather on the Champs-Élysées; public viewing at Parc des Princes draws up to 48,000 spectators.
- Clashes erupt on the Champs-Élysées between masked individuals and police, involving projectiles and tear gas.
- Interior Ministry reports 416 arrests nationwide, 283 in Paris; seven officers injured.
- Nearly 100,000 people expected in Paris for official celebrations; President Macron to receive team at Élysée Palace.
