Paris detains over 280 after Champions League final victory sparks riots

Paris erupted in chaos Saturday as thousands of fans celebrating Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final victory clashed with police and caused damage. More than 280 people were detained in the capital alone, with 416 arrests nationwide.

“

seven officers had been wounded and called the unrest "absolutely unacceptable."

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the unrest as "absolutely unacceptable" after seven officers sustained injuries. The celebrations saw six vehicles and two businesses damaged, while a group of supporters briefly halted traffic on the Paris ring road, setting off flares. Shops along the Champs-Elysees had boarded up windows to prevent a repeat of last year's disturbances.

Thousands converged on the Champs-Elysees to watch the match, with many gathering outside PSG's Parc des Princes stadium. Police reported that approximately 4,000 to 5,000 people outside the stadium threw projectiles at officers. Some attempted to erect a barricade with rental bikes, which police cleared. Clashes broke out near the stadium, with police deploying tear gas in response to fireworks.

“

only in France does a football club's victory spark riots.

The scenes drew sharp criticism from the French far-right, with Marine Le Pen stating on X, "only in France does a football club's victory spark riots." She added, "Only in France does everyone feel compelled to lock themselves in their homes on the evening of a victory to avoid being confronted with violence."

“

Only in France does everyone feel compelled to lock themselves in their homes on the evening of a victory to avoid being confronted with violence.