Over 400 arrested as PSG Champions League celebrations turn violent

More than 400 people were arrested across France after celebrations for Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win over Arsenal turned violent. The chaos left several police officers hurt and caused damage to property in Paris and other cities.

Thousands of fans filled the streets after PSG won the European title. They gathered along the Champs-Élysées and around the Parc des Princes stadium.

While many fans celebrated without trouble, some clashes broke out between police and a few revelers. Fireworks and flares lit up the night sky during these moments.

The BBC reported on Sunday that French authorities arrested 416 people nationwide. This included 280 arrests in Paris alone. Seven police officers were injured in the unrest, and several vehicles, businesses, and public facilities suffered damage.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the violence. He called the disturbances “absolutely unacceptable.”

Police used tear gas in parts of central Paris to break up crowds. This was after some fans vandalized property and faced off with security forces.

Videos shared on social media showed flares being set off, vehicles on fire, and shopfronts destroyed during the celebrations.

The unrest drew criticism from political figures. Far-right politician Marine Le Pen questioned why football victories often lead to such disorder.

“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.

This disturbance follows a year after PSG’s previous European win. That celebration was also marred by deadly incidents that took two lives, including a 17-year-old boy.

Despite the violence, PSG’s official victory celebrations were set to continue on Sunday. Players were scheduled to join a parade near the Eiffel Tower, followed by a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.