Paris police detained more than 400 people on Saturday night after violent clashes broke out during celebrations marking Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph, authorities said.
According to the French interior ministry, 416 people were arrested nationwide, including 283 in Paris alone, as thousands of fans flooded the streets following PSG’s victory in Budapest. It was not immediately clear how many of those detained would face further legal action.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the unrest as “absolutely unacceptable,” adding that seven police officers were injured during the disturbances. Authorities also reported damage to six vehicles and two businesses.
Security forces had deployed a massive operation across the country, with around 22,000 police officers mobilised nationwide, including 8,000 in Paris, amid concerns of repeat violence following previous celebrations.
Despite the heavy security presence, parts of the capital descended into chaos. Groups of supporters stormed the Paris ring road, the périphérique, temporarily halting traffic while setting off flares, according to AFP photographers on the scene.
Around 20,000 people gathered on the Champs-Élysées to celebrate the win, but the situation escalated as some participants vandalised property and clashed with police. Authorities said about two dozen flares and around 100 fireworks were seized during the night, while a bus shelter near the avenue was destroyed.
Tensions were also reported near PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium, where thousands gathered to watch the final on big screens. Police said between 4,000 and 5,000 people gathered outside the stadium, with some throwing projectiles at officers. About 150 individuals allegedly attempted to force entry through a gate before being pushed back by security forces.
An AFP reporter said tear gas was used after fireworks were thrown at police during clashes near the stadium. Some individuals also tried to build barricades using rental bicycles before they were dismantled by officers.
The night’s celebrations coincided with several major events in the city, including concerts and the French Open tennis tournament, adding to pressure on security services.
Political reactions followed swiftly, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticising the unrest, writing on social media that “only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots.”
Authorities said a “robust security system” had been in place, but acknowledged the scale of celebrations made control difficult.
PSG players are expected to take part in a victory parade on Sunday at the Champs-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower, with around 100,000 fans anticipated. The team is also scheduled to be received at the Élysée Palace by President Emmanuel Macron.
