Over 400 arrested as PSG victory celebrations turn violent across France

More than 400 individuals were taken into custody across France after celebrations marking Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win over Arsenal descended into violence, leaving several police officers wounded and resulting in widespread property damage in Paris and other cities.

Following PSG’s European triumph, thousands of supporters poured into the streets, with large crowds gathering on the Champs-Élysées and around the Parc des Princes stadium to celebrate the historic victory.

Although many fans celebrated in a peaceful manner, parts of the festivities turned chaotic as some groups clashed with police. Fireworks and flares illuminated the night, contributing to the disorder.

According to reports cited by the BBC on Sunday, French authorities confirmed that 416 people were arrested nationwide, with 280 of those arrests made in Paris alone. 

Seven police officers sustained injuries during the disturbances, while several cars, shops, and public infrastructure were vandalised.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez strongly criticised the unrest, calling the violence “absolutely unacceptable.”

Security forces deployed tear gas in central Paris in an effort to disperse crowds after some individuals began damaging property and confronting officers.

The celebrations were accompanied by disturbing scenes circulating on social media, showing burning vehicles, damaged storefronts, and widespread use of flares during the night-time gatherings.

Political reactions followed swiftly, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen questioning the recurring pattern of disorder linked to football victories.

“Only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots,” Le Pen wrote on social media platform X.

“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,” she added.

The unrest recalls similar incidents from a year earlier, when PSG’s previous European success was overshadowed by violent episodes that led to two deaths, including that of a 17-year-old.

Despite the disturbances, official victory events for PSG were still scheduled to proceed on Sunday, including a parade near the Eiffel Tower and a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.