Riots Erupt Across France After PSG’s Champions League Win
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Authorities arrested hundreds of people and reported dozens of injured police officers after violence erupted across France following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Champions League victory over Arsenal.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said 780 people were arrested in connection with the unrest, with more than 450 remaining in custody. The clashes left 219 people injured, including eight who were in serious condition. Fifty-seven police officers also sustained injuries.
The disturbances disrupted bus, train, and rail services in Paris despite the deployment of thousands of security personnel. Authorities have mobilized around 6,000 police officers for Sunday’s victory parade near the Eiffel Tower.
Nunez said security forces would respond firmly to any disorder.
“We are a great country for maintaining public order. We allow freedom of assembly, but not excesses,” he said.
Violence also marred PSG’s previous Champions League success, when celebrations turned deadly.
Large crowds gathered on the Champs-Elysees shortly after PSG secured victory in a penalty shootout. Videos circulating online showed fans setting off flares, burning electric bikes on roads, and damaging at least one storefront. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds in central Paris.
According to Paris police, officers made 480 arrests in the capital alone, with 277 people placed in custody, including 82 minors. The Paris prosecutor’s office described the figures as provisional and said the offenses included assaults on police officers, property damage, theft, and illegal possession of weapons.
Authorities also reported one death near Porte Maillot on the Paris ring road. Officials have not clarified the circumstances, although some witnesses said a 24-year-old motorcyclist crashed into concrete barriers. Rioters had attempted to block the roadway overnight.
In a separate incident, a teenager remained in critical condition after a brawl elsewhere in Paris. Authorities have not confirmed whether the individual was involved in football-related violence.
“The vast majority go out to celebrate and it goes very well,” Nunez said on Sunday.
“But other individuals, who are not PSG supporters, who don't even watch the match, come to cause trouble and disturbances. We are here to prevent them from doing so. Our response is very firm.”
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticized the unrest on social media platform X.
“Only in France does a football club's victory spark riots,” she wrote.
“Only in France does everyone feel compelled to lock themselves in their homes on the evening of a victory to avoid being confronted with violence.”
PSG players are scheduled to participate in a victory parade later on Sunday, including an appearance at the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower and a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
