Over 400 Arrested as PSG Champions League Celebrations Erupt into Riots Across France

Paris: Violent clashes erupted across France in the aftermath of Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League final victory over Arsenal, with more than 400 people arrested as fans and police clashed in Paris and other French cities.

Thousands of security personnel were deployed to contain the unrest, which brought bus, train, and metro services in Paris to a complete standstill. Rioters set off firecrackers and flares in the streets, and police were forced to deploy tear gas in the city centre to restore order. Several officers sustained injuries in the confrontations.

Celebrations Turn to Street Warfare

Moments after PSG sealed the title on penalties, thousands of fans flooded the iconic Champs-Élysées. Footage from Paris showed electric bikes ablaze and rioters smashing shop windows. Police confirmed that six vehicles, two commercial establishments, and a bus shelter were vandalised and destroyed. Clashes had also broken out before the match between fans watching on giant screens at PSG's home ground, Parc des Princes, and police.

Government Response and Political Fallout

The French Interior Ministry confirmed that 416 people were arrested in total, including 280 from Paris alone, in the disturbances that extended into Sunday morning. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that seven officers on duty had been injured and described the street violence as "totally unacceptable."

The events have ignited a fierce political debate in France. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen posted on X: "Only in France does a football club's victory trigger riots. Only in France must everyone lock themselves indoors on the night of a victory, fearing violence."

Second Consecutive Year of Post-Victory Unrest

PSG retained the Champions League title, but this is the second year running that the club's triumph has caused serious law and order problems in France. When PSG won the trophy in 2025, two people were killed in the ensuing violence, including a 17-year-old.

Despite the chaos, PSG's victory parade is scheduled to proceed on Sunday afternoon as planned. The team will take part in a road show through Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower, followed by an official reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron