Violence erupts in Paris as PSG celebrates Champions League win against Arsenal; 416 people arrested
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "Violence erupts in Paris as PSG celebrates Champions League win against Arsenal; 416 people arrested")
A car is set ablaze as PSG supporters celebrate their soccer team's win in the UEFA Champions League final Photograph: (AFP)
More than 280 people were detained in Paris after violent clashes erupted during PSG's Champions League final victory celebrations. Fans stormed roads, set off flares and clashed with police, leaving officers injured and property damaged despite a massive security deployment.
As many as 416 people were arrested on Saturday (May 30) as violence erupted across Paris when thousands poured onto the streets to celebrate Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final victory against Arsenal. Calling the unrest “absolutely unacceptable,” Interior minister Laurent Nunez said that seven officers had been wounded, six vehicles and two businesses were damaged. AFP reported that 22,000 police were deployed across France for the game, including 8,000 in Paris, after unrest marred PSG's win in the competition last year. Similar scenes unfolded on Saturday too. Paris tram lines were halted, several metro stations shut and bus traffic halted in places in a bid to minimise disturbances. It was not immediately clear how many of these individuals were remanded in custody to face further investigation, AFP reported.
PSG players are expected to take part in a victory parade on Sunday afternoon at the Champs-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower, where around 100,000 people are expected to gather. The team will later be received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.
Damage and destruction reported
AFP also reported that group of supporters stormed the Paris ring road, the Peripherique, temporarily bringing traffic to a standstill while setting off flares. A bus shelter near the Champs-Elysees was also destroyed. Police also said that a bakery and a restaurant were damaged near PSG's Parc des Princes stadium. While tens of thousands watched the match inside, between 4,000 and 5,000 people remained outside, with some reportedly throwing projectiles at officers. Around 150 people attempted to force their way through one of the stadium gates but were pushed back by police, according to a police spokesperson.
The violence drew criticism from France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who wrote on X that "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," she added. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said a "very robust, very solid system" had been put in place to curb violence. "Our responsibility is to guarantee everyone a festive celebration that is calm and fully secure," a police spokesperson said.
