PARIS — French authorities arrested hundreds of people and reported injuries to police officers after violent clashes broke out during celebrations of Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League victory, officials said on Sunday.
The unrest followed PSG’s win over Arsenal in the Champions League final on Saturday night in Budapest, prompting large crowds to gather in Paris and other French cities. France’s Interior Ministry said more than 400 people were arrested nationwide, with a significant number of detentions occurring in the Paris region. Authorities also reported that several police officers were injured during the disturbances.
According to police and government officials, celebrations centered on the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe area and around PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium. Officials said some groups set vehicles on fire, damaged storefronts and public property, and launched fireworks at police officers. In one incident, a group attempted to storm a police station in Paris before being dispersed by security forces.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the violence as “absolutely unacceptable,” according to French media reports. Authorities said officers used tear gas and other crowd-control measures in several locations as they sought to contain the disturbances.
The Interior Ministry said about 22,000 police officers had been deployed across France ahead of the final, including thousands in Paris, amid concerns that celebrations could lead to disorder. Similar scenes of unrest were reported after PSG’s previous Champions League title celebrations, prompting heightened security preparations this year.
Authorities said incidents were recorded in multiple cities beyond Paris, including reports of vandalism, fires and confrontations with police. Prosecutors in Paris said many of those taken into custody faced allegations including assaulting officers, theft and property damage. Details of individual cases remained unclear as investigations continued.
Despite the violence, thousands of supporters celebrated peacefully across the capital. Police estimated that roughly 20,000 people gathered on the Champs-Élysées at the height of the celebrations, while large crowds also assembled near PSG’s stadium.
Officials said security operations remained in place on Sunday ahead of planned victory events in Paris, including public celebrations and an official reception for the PSG team. Authorities said they expected large crowds and would maintain a significant police presence throughout the day.
