Over 400 Arrested Across France After Paris Saint-Germain Champions League Final
Clashes between football fans and police across France resulted in over 400 arrests following Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Champions League final victory against Arsenal. Thousands of officers were deployed to manage the unrest, which disrupted public transport services in the capital.
Fireworks and flares were ignited, and multiple police officers were injured in the disturbances. Authorities deployed tear gas to disperse crowds in the city centre. This marks the second consecutive year of football-related violence after PSG's victory, following similar incidents in 2025 that resulted in fatalities.
Footage from Paris depicted flares, burning electric bikes, and damage to at least one shopfront. The Champs-Élysées was inundated with fans shortly after the French team secured the win via a penalty shootout. Earlier in the day, confrontations occurred between police and supporters gathered to watch the final on giant screens at PSG’s Parc des Princes.
Police reported that six vehicles, two businesses, and a bus shelter sustained damage during the unrest. France’s interior ministry confirmed 416 arrests in the early hours of Sunday, including 280 individuals in Paris. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the unrest as “absolutely unacceptable” and stated that seven officers were injured.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticised the situation, stating on X: “Only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots.” She further remarked, “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.”
PSG players are scheduled to participate in a victory parade, encompassing the Champs de Mars and a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
