At least 81 people were arrested in Paris following violent clashes that erupted as fans gathered to celebrate Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Champions League victory. The atmosphere in the city quickly turned chaotic after thousands of supporters congregated near the Parc des Princes stadium, which was transformed into a fan zone to screen the final match against Inter Milan, held in Munich.
Around 48,000 fans attended the viewing event at the stadium, eagerly watching as PSG clinched the coveted European title. However, what began as a jubilant celebration soon descended into unrest. Videos circulating on social media show police officers, equipped with batons, engaged in confrontations with groups of people near the stadium. The disorder escalated with several fires being deliberately set in different locations around the French capital, prompting fire brigades to respond to multiple blazes.
Police quickly intervened to restore order, detaining at least 81 individuals accused of engaging in violent behavior. The extensive police presence throughout Paris included roughly 5,400 officers deployed specifically to oversee the post-match celebrations. Heavy security was visible across the city, especially on the Champs-Élysées, where law enforcement employed teargas and pepper spray to disperse unruly crowds.
Traffic disruptions were widespread. Key areas such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées boulevard were blocked or closed off by authorities to prevent further disturbances. These measures aimed to contain the violence and protect the general public amid the tension.
France’s interior minister expressed strong condemnation of the violent acts, drawing a distinction between true fans celebrating their team’s success and a disruptive minority responsible for criminal behavior. He emphasized the need for the security forces to respond decisively to maintain peace, stating that it is unacceptable for citizens to fear violence during public celebrations. His message underscored support for the police officers who were working to keep the situation under control.
The unrest in Paris followed a pattern of disruption connected to PSG’s Champions League campaign. Earlier in May, after PSG’s semi-final win against Arsenal, similar disturbances broke out, resulting in 47 arrests and injuries, including several people hit by a car amid the chaos.
Tensions were not confined to Paris. In Munich, where the final took place, supporters of PSG and Inter Milan clashed at the Fröttmaning train station while traveling to the Allianz Arena. Reports indicate that fans threw stones at one another, contributing to travel disruptions. Some individuals reportedly trespassed onto train tracks, further complicating transport logistics and heightening security concerns.
Back in Paris, a car was reportedly set on fire near the Parc des Princes stadium during the celebrations. The incident contributed to the sense of disorder and prompted immediate police action. By the time the match concluded, dozens of arrests had already been made.
The authorities faced a significant challenge balancing the excitement of celebrating a historic sporting triumph with the imperative of maintaining public safety. Large crowds, heightened emotions, and alcohol consumption often create volatile conditions during major sporting events, and this occasion was no exception.
Despite the disturbances, many genuine PSG fans were able to enjoy the victory and celebrate peacefully. However, the actions of a violent minority overshadowed the overall festive mood and forced law enforcement to take tough measures to reestablish calm.
This event marks one of the more significant instances of fan-related violence in recent years following a major football victory in Paris, highlighting ongoing concerns about crowd control and public safety during high-profile sports celebrations. Authorities have vowed to continue working to prevent such incidents in the future, striving to create a safer environment for fans and residents alike.
