Over 330 Arrested, One Police Officer Injured in Paris Disturbances After PSG's Champions League Win

Celebrations for Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) second Champions League title were marred by widespread disturbances across France, leading to the arrest of at least 336 people, with 235 detained in Paris alone. One police officer sustained injuries from fireworks in the capital during the events that followed PSG's victory over Arsenal.

In Paris, authorities reported that 71 individuals were arrested by midnight, and specialized riot control units were deployed to manage crowds, particularly along the Champs-Élysées, where an estimated 20,000 fans had gathered. These celebrations echoed the more severe incidents that occurred after PSG's first Champions League win the previous year, which resulted in two deaths and nearly 200 injuries, including a police officer who fell into a coma. This year, security forces aimed to prevent a repeat of such violence.

Despite a reinforced security presence of 22,000 police and gendarmes nationwide, with 8,000 in Paris and its metropolitan area, disturbances still erupted. The main areas of unrest were the Champs-Élysées and its vicinity, but incidents also occurred near the Parc des Princes stadium and the Place de la République. Security forces thwarted an attempt by approximately 150 people to storm the stadium and also stopped an attack on a police station in the 8th arrondissement.

Video footage showed fans launching fireworks at police officers, and several vehicles, a truck, and containers were set ablaze in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to receive the PSG team at the Élysée Palace on Sunday to celebrate their consecutive championship win. The official reception is expected to be a highlight of the ongoing celebrations, which will also include a public event at the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower, where an estimated 100,000 people are anticipated.