Chaos in Paris after PSG’s Champions League victory

Celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph turned chaotic in Paris, with nearly 300 arrests recorded as supporters clashed with law enforcement on Saturday.

The victory sparked widespread jubilation, but also led to significant unrest across the capital and beyond. Authorities reported widespread disturbances, property damage, and numerous confrontations between police and revelers.

Minister condemns unacceptable violence

The French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez addressed the media in the early hours of Sunday, confirming that 416 arrests were made nationwide, with 283 occurring in the Paris metropolitan area alone. He labeled the disturbances as “absolutely unacceptable.”

A total of seven police officers were injured during the clashes, including one seriously in Agen after suffering a skull trauma. Unrest spread across multiple cities, including Rennes, Strasbourg, Clermont-Ferrand, and Grenoble, where looting and vandalism were reported.

Security measures and disruptions

Police seized 24 flares and nearly 100 firecrackers in Paris. Damaged property included a bakery and a restaurant near Porte de Saint-Cloud, along with six vehicles. A journalist witnessed continuous firework discharges and individuals climbing onto a fire truck.

Police also foiled four attempts to block the périphérique, the ring road around Paris. In the 8th arrondissement, a group briefly targeted a police station before being dispersed. Near the Champs-Élysées, where 4,000 to 5,000 supporters had gathered before the match, thousands more converged afterward, leading to projectile attacks on law enforcement.

In Barbès, a stabbing incident left one person injured, while a heavily intoxicated man fell into the Seine in the 5th arrondissement. At the Parc des Princes stadium, around 150 individuals attempted unauthorized entry but were swiftly repelled by police, restoring order within minutes.

Public transport severely impacted

With 22,000 police and gendarmerie officers deployed—8,000 in Paris and its suburbs—authorities emphasized their commitment to ensuring a safe and orderly celebration. Public transport services were heavily disrupted, with multiple metro and bus lines suspended to protect passengers and drivers.

Last year, 5,400 officers were deployed in Paris and its vicinity, resulting in 563 arrests and 307 detentions.

Celebrations and political reception

The PSG players will participate in a victory parade on Sunday afternoon at the Champs-de-Mars, expected to draw nearly 100,000 fans. They will later be received by President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.

Security preparations had been meticulously planned to cover not only the Champions League final but also concurrent events such as a rugby match, the ongoing Roland-Garros tennis tournament, and multiple concerts featuring artists like Aya Nakamura and Damso.