Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Champions League triumph was overshadowed by widespread unrest across France, with violent clashes between supporters and police leading to more than 400 arrests, injuries to officers, and extensive property damage.
Thousands of fans poured onto the streets after PSG defeated Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure the club’s second consecutive UEFA Champions League title. While many supporters celebrated peacefully, several areas of Paris witnessed scenes of chaos as authorities struggled to contain disorderly crowds.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
What Happened in Paris After PSG Won the Champions League?
The most significant disturbances were reported on the Champs-Élysées and around PSG’s home ground, Parc des Princes. Shortly after the final whistle, thousands of supporters gathered in the French capital to celebrate the historic victory.
However, celebrations quickly escalated in some locations. Fireworks and flares were set off, electric bikes were set ablaze, and several vehicles were damaged. Videos shared online showed crowds confronting police officers, while some individuals vandalised property and smashed shop windows.
Authorities also reported that supporters briefly blocked parts of the Boulevard Périphérique, Paris’s busy ring road, causing traffic disruption and safety concerns.
Near Parc des Princes, where tens of thousands of fans watched the final on giant screens, clashes erupted after some individuals allegedly threw projectiles at police officers. Security forces responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds.
How Many People Were Arrested?
According to the French Ministry of the Interior, 416 people were detained nationwide during the celebrations. Of those, 283 arrests were made in Paris.
Officials said seven police officers suffered injuries during the unrest. Six vehicles, two businesses, a bakery, a restaurant and a bus shelter were among the properties damaged.
Police also seized dozens of flares and nearly 100 fireworks as part of efforts to prevent further violence.
Why Did Violence Break Out During PSG Celebrations?
French authorities said the majority of supporters celebrated responsibly, but a small group engaged in vandalism, violence and confrontations with law enforcement.
Officials had anticipated potential trouble because similar disturbances occurred after PSG’s Champions League success last year. As a result, thousands of police officers were deployed across Paris, and several businesses boarded up their storefronts before the match.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the security operation as “very robust” but condemned the violence, calling the incidents “absolutely unacceptable.”
Political Reactions to the Riots
The unrest quickly became a political issue. Far-right politician Marine Le Pen criticised the violence and questioned why a football victory should lead to large-scale public disorder.
French authorities defended their security strategy, arguing that the strong police presence helped prevent more serious incidents and ensured public safety in crowded areas.
What Happens Next?
Despite the disturbances, PSG’s official victory celebrations are scheduled to continue. The team is expected to participate in a victory parade at the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower before meeting French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
Investigations into the violence, vandalism and arrests are continuing as authorities assess the full extent of the damage caused during the celebrations. For many fans, PSG’s European triumph will be remembered as a historic sporting achievement, but the night will also be marked by scenes of unrest that unfolded across Paris.
