Mass Arrests and Injuries Reported Across France After Champions League Celebrations Turn Violent

Hundreds of people were arrested and dozens of police officers were injured after celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory descended into violence across France.

French authorities said nearly 800 people were detained nationwide after clashes erupted in Paris and several other cities following PSG’s win over Arsenal in the Champions League final.

According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, 219 people were injured during the unrest, including 57 police officers. Eight of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.

Large crowds gathered across the country after PSG secured the European title, with thousands of supporters taking to the streets to celebrate. In Paris, major gathering points included the Champs-Élysées and areas surrounding the club’s Parc des Princes stadium.

Officials had deployed around 22,000 police officers across France, including thousands in the capital, amid concerns that celebrations could lead to disorder. Authorities said most fans celebrated peacefully, but groups of rioters became involved in vandalism, looting and confrontations with police.

Fires were set in several locations, vehicles were burned and shops were damaged during the disturbances. Some individuals launched fireworks and flares at police officers, prompting riot police to respond with tear gas and crowd-control measures.

Transport services in parts of Paris were also affected. Some metro stations were closed, tram services suspended and bus routes disrupted as security forces attempted to contain the unrest.

Police reported that several hundred arrests were made in Paris alone. Those detained face a range of allegations including vandalism, assaulting officers and public disorder offences.

Authorities also confirmed that a motorcyclist died during the night after a crash involving a concrete barrier. Separately, a teenager was left critically injured following a violent incident during the celebrations.

The violence drew condemnation from government officials. Laurent Nuñez described the behaviour of rioters as unacceptable and said many of those involved appeared to have taken advantage of the football celebrations to engage in criminal acts.

Despite the unrest, PSG’s victory celebrations continued on Sunday, with supporters gathering once again in the French capital. The club’s players were scheduled to take part in official events, including celebrations with fans and a reception hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.

French authorities said investigations into the violence remain ongoing and additional security measures would be maintained during the remaining celebrations.

While officials acknowledged that the vast majority of supporters celebrated peacefully, they said the scale of the disorder had overshadowed what should have been a historic moment for French football.

Source BBC