Hundreds of people were arrested in Paris overnight after celebrations over Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic Champions League win spiraled into violent clashes with police.
According to French authorities, nearly 300 individuals were detained following widespread unrest near the Champs-Elysées and Parc des Princes stadium, where close to 50,000 fans had gathered to watch PSG’s 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan on large screens.
While the majority of supporters marked the victory with singing, dancing, and waving PSG flags, chaotic scenes erupted as some fans smashed bus shelters, set cars ablaze, and launched flares and fireworks. Riot police were forced to deploy water cannons and fire tear gas in an attempt to disperse aggressive crowds and prevent a surge toward the Arc de Triomphe.
In a statement, Paris police described the situation as “deliberate disorder,” saying troublemakers “repeatedly came into contact with police by throwing large fireworks and other objects.” Social media videos showed attempts to loot stores such as Chanel and Foot Locker on the Champs-Elysées.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence, stating, “True PSG supporters are enjoying their team’s magnificent match. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets of Paris to commit crimes and provoke the police.”
Despite the violence, the Eiffel Tower was lit in PSG’s blue and red colours, and French President Emmanuel Macron, an Olympique de Marseille supporter, acknowledged the team’s historic achievement, posting on X: “A glorious day for PSG! Bravo, we are all proud. Paris, the capital of Europe this evening.”
In total, about 5,400 officers were deployed across Paris in anticipation of post-match unrest.
Outside the capital, four PSG fans—members of the same family—were injured in Grenoble when a car drove into a crowd of celebrants. Two of the victims remain in serious condition. The driver, who turned himself in to police, is not believed to have acted intentionally, according to a source close to the investigation.
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