Nearly 900 arrested after football celebrations in France

France witnessed widespread unrest following Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) second Champions League triumph, resulting in nearly 900 arrests. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that the number of arrests was 45% higher than the previous year, with approximately 180 police officers sustaining injuries during the celebrations. The victory, secured after a penalty shootout against Arsenal, initially sparked jubilant street parties in Paris and other cities.

However, the celebrations quickly devolved into clashes between young people and police, accompanied by instances of car fires and looted shops. Thousands of police were deployed in Paris to manage the crowds and contain the disturbances. Despite the security measures, the scale of the violence prompted a strong reaction from President Emmanuel Macron.

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We have had over 890 arrests. In total, it is 45 percent more than last year.

During a reception for the PSG team at the Élysée Palace, Macron praised the team for bringing "immense pride" to France but unequivocally distanced himself from the accompanying violence. "This is not football, this is not sport, this is not what we love," he stated. The unrest also tragically led to the death of one man in a motorcycle accident on Paris's ring road. This marks the first time a team has successfully defended the Champions League title since Real Madrid achieved the feat in 2018.

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This is not football, this is not sport, this is not what we love.