Paris braces for PSG celebrations amid heavy security after riotous night

Paris is gearing up for a hero's welcome for its football club, Paris Saint-Germain, following their second consecutive Champions League title win. Celebrations are planned across the city, but authorities are implementing heavy security measures after a night of revelry that was marred by widespread unrest.

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a strong law enforcement response

PSG defeated Arsenal 4-3 in a penalty shootout on Saturday in Budapest after a 1-1 draw. While thousands celebrated across France, the parties were blighted by incidents including clashes with police, burglary, vandalism, a fatal road accident, and hundreds of arrests. By Sunday morning, municipal workers were cleaning up streets strewn with debris from broken glass, damaged bus shelters, and overturned vehicles.

Authorities have pledged a "strong law enforcement response" for the planned parade on the Champs-de-Mars, near the Eiffel Tower, which is expected to draw tens of thousands. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez promised fines for "obstructing traffic" and announced that nearly 6,000 police and gendarmes have been deployed. The team is also scheduled to be received by President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace before a celebration at their home stadium.

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obstructing traffic

Overnight celebrations saw 780 arrests nationwide, according to Nunez. He noted an increased use of fireworks directed at law enforcement, resulting in 57 injured security forces and 219 injured participants, eight of whom were seriously hurt. A young man died after crashing his motocross bike into concrete blocks on a Paris ring road exit ramp, an incident that occurred while a group of supporters had temporarily halted traffic on the road. Another young man was seriously injured in a knife attack in Paris, reportedly linked to a robbery.

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219 participants injured in France, including eight seriously

Incidents of theft and looting were reported in about fifteen cities, with violence recorded in 71 municipalities. The mayor of Paris's 8th arrondissement called for "zero gatherings" on the Champs-Elysees, describing the avenue as an "arena of urban guerrilla warfare" on Saturday night, stating that "Since it has become impossible to celebrate a match without descending into riots, the only common sense response is a new doctrine."

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Since it has become impossible to celebrate a match without descending into riots, the only common sense response is a new doctrine