PSG win triggers violent riots in France, hundreds arrested
Tos:
Islamabad:Clashes between football fans and police across France left hundreds injured and led to mass arrests following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal.
Authorities confirmed that at least 219 people were injured in clashes between football fans and police, including eight individuals in serious condition. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 57 police officers were also injured during the unrest.
Mass arrests and heavy police deployment
French authorities arrested 780 people in connection with the violence, with more than 450 still in custody, according to official figures.
Police deployed around 6,000 officers in Paris to control the situation ahead of the victory parade at the Eiffel Tower, as authorities sought to prevent further escalation.
Officials said the security forces would take a “firm” approach to maintaining order.
Chaos across Paris streets
Large crowds gathered on the Champs-Élysées shortly after PSG’s penalty shootout victory, triggering widespread disorder in the capital.
Footage circulating from the scene showed flares being ignited, electric bikes set on fire, and shopfront windows smashed as celebrations turned destructive.
Police responded with tear gas to disperse crowds in central Paris, while public transport services including buses, trains, and rail lines were severely disrupted.
Authorities also reported the death of a 24-year-old man near the Porte Maillot area of the Paris ring road. He is believed to have been involved in an accident while attempts were made to block traffic during the unrest, though investigations are ongoing.
A teenager was also left in critical condition following a separate brawl elsewhere in Paris. Officials have not confirmed whether either incident was directly linked to football-related violence.
Government and political reaction
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez defended the police response, stating that while most fans celebrate peacefully, some individuals exploit such events to cause disruption.
“The vast majority go out to celebrate and it goes very well,” he said. “But other individuals come to cause trouble and disturbances. We are here to prevent them.”
Far-right political leader Marine Le Pen also criticized the unrest, posting on X that “only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots,” calling attention to repeated violence following major sporting events.
Despite the unrest, PSG players are expected to proceed with a victory parade later on Sunday, including a tour along the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower and a reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Authorities have vowed strict security measures to ensure the celebrations continue without further violence, following a night that left the capital shaken.
