PARIS, May 31, (V7N) – French police detained more than 280 people in Paris after violent clashes broke out during celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s victory in the UEFA Champions League final.
Authorities said around 22,000 police officers were deployed across France for the match, including 8,000 in Paris, amid fears of unrest similar to disturbances seen after PSG’s victory in last year’s competition.
According to the French interior ministry, 416 people were detained nationwide, including 283 in the capital. Officials did not immediately confirm how many remained in custody.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the violence as “absolutely unacceptable” and said seven police officers were injured during the unrest.
Police reported that six vehicles and two businesses were damaged. A group of supporters also briefly blocked traffic on the Paris ring road, the Peripherique, while setting off flares.
As PSG secured victory in a dramatic penalty shootout in Budapest, approximately 20,000 fans gathered along the Champs-Elysees in Paris to celebrate.
Authorities had taken extensive preventive measures ahead of the final, with shops boarding up windows and several tram, metro and bus services suspended to reduce the risk of disorder.
Police said they seized around two dozen flares and about 100 fireworks during operations across the city. A bus shelter near the Champs-Elysees was also destroyed.
Near PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium, where thousands watched the match on giant screens, clashes erupted between supporters and police. Officers used tear gas after fireworks and projectiles were thrown at them.
Police said around 150 people attempted to force entry through one of the stadium gates but were pushed back by security forces. Some individuals also tried to erect barricades using rental bicycles.
The unrest drew criticism from far-right politician Marine Le Pen, who said on X that “only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots.”
Despite the violence, authorities are preparing for further celebrations on Sunday, when PSG players are expected to parade near the Eiffel Tower before meeting French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.
END/WD/RH/
