Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final victory over Arsenal triggered widespread unrest across France, with over 400 people arrested, police deploying tear gas on the Champs-Élysées, and several officers injured as celebrations turned violent overnight
PSG wins Champions League — then chaos erupts in Paris
Paris Saint-Germain secured the UEFA Champions League title in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal, sending fans pouring onto the streets of Paris and other French cities. However, the jubilation quickly descended into disorder, with fireworks, flares and violence breaking out across the capital.
Paris’s iconic Champs-Élysées was swamped by supporters shortly after the final whistle. Footage from the city showed flares being set off, electric bikes burning on roads, and revellers smashing the glass of at least one shopfront. Police said six vehicles, two businesses and a bus shelter were damaged during the unrest.
Over 400 arrested across France
According to French authorities, 416 people had been arrested in the early hours of Sunday, including 280 in Paris alone. Thousands of police officers were deployed across the capital to contain the disorder, which also disrupted bus, train and metro services throughout the city.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that seven police officers were injured during the clashes and condemned the behaviour as “absolutely unacceptable.” He noted that authorities had put in place a “very robust, very solid system” in anticipation of unrest, pointing to similar violence that marred PSG’s Champions League triumph the previous year — when celebrations turned deadly.
Tear gas fired as clashes break out at Parc des Princes
Earlier in the day, before the final had even concluded, clashes broke out between police and supporters who had gathered to watch the match on giant screens at PSG’s home ground, the Parc des Princes. Police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds in the city centre as disorder spread through multiple districts.
Marine Le Pen reacts, criticises celebrations turned violent
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen was quick to respond to the unrest on social media. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), she said:Tear gas fired as clashes break out at Parc des Princes
Earlier in the day, before the final had even concluded, clashes broke out between police and supporters who had gathered to watch the match on giant screens at PSG’s home ground, the Parc des Princes. Police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds in the city centre as disorder spread through multiple districts.
Marine Le Pen reacts, criticises celebrations turned violent
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen was quick to respond to the unrest on social media. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), she said:
“Only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots. 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.”
Her comments drew significant attention online, reigniting debates about public order, policing, and the culture of football celebrations in France.
Victory parade planned — Macron to host PSG players
Despite the overnight chaos, celebrations continued on a more organised note on Sunday afternoon. PSG players were scheduled to take part in a victory parade through Paris, including a tour of the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower. French President Emmanuel Macron was also set to host a reception for the squad at the Élysée Palace, marking the historic win on home soil.
Second consecutive Champions League title for PSG
The Champions League triumph is PSG’s second consecutive European title, having also won the trophy the previous season. The victory cements the French club’s status as one of Europe’s elite football powers. However, the recurring pattern of post-match violence raises serious questions about crowd management, civil order, and what authorities must do differently to prevent celebrations from turning dangerous in future.
Based on reporting by BBC News | bbc.com