At least 81 people were arrested in Paris following violent clashes that erupted after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a dramatic victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final. The celebrations, which initially brought thousands of fans together in joy, quickly escalated into disorder as police struggled to maintain control amid growing tensions.
The match, held in Munich, was broadcast live at PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium, which had been converted into a fan zone for the occasion. Approximately 48,000 supporters gathered at the stadium, filling it with excitement and anticipation. However, as the final whistle blew and PSG’s triumph was confirmed, the atmosphere in parts of Paris took a darker turn.
Videos circulating on social media show police officers armed with batons clashing with groups of people near the stadium. The disturbances were marked by acts of vandalism, including the ignition of several fires at multiple locations across the city. Firefighters were dispatched rapidly to extinguish these blazes, working to prevent the situation from worsening.
Authorities reported that 81 people were detained in connection with the unrest. To respond to the escalating situation, around 5,400 police officers were deployed across Paris to manage the post-match celebrations and keep order. On the iconic Champs-Élysées, law enforcement officers resorted to using teargas and pepper spray in an attempt to disperse unruly crowds and prevent further violence.
In one notable incident, a car was set on fire near the Parc des Princes, highlighting the intensity of the disorder. Traffic restrictions were put in place to limit the spread of unrest; areas surrounding the Arc de Triomphe were blocked from midday, and the Champs-Élysées boulevard along with adjacent streets were closed for much of the evening.
The French interior minister expressed strong condemnation of the violence, drawing a distinction between genuine PSG fans celebrating their team’s success and the “minority of thugs” who resorted to criminal behavior. He emphasized the importance of law enforcement’s response and extended support to the police officers tasked with protecting the city’s residents and visitors during the tumultuous celebrations.
The clashes in Paris were not an isolated incident connected to this Champions League campaign. Earlier tensions had flared during the semi-final between PSG and Arsenal on May 7, when 47 people were arrested and several were injured in disturbances related to the celebrations. The semi-final unrest also saw confrontations with vehicles, including cases where individuals were struck by cars amid the chaos.
Moreover, violent encounters occurred on the way to the final in Munich. Supporters of both PSG and Inter Milan engaged in clashes near Fröttmaning station, with reports indicating that fans threw stones at each other. These incidents caused disruption to train services, as some supporters ventured onto train tracks, further complicating security efforts in the lead-up to the match.
The scenes following PSG’s Champions League victory highlight the challenges authorities face in managing large-scale public celebrations that can quickly spiral into violence. Despite the club’s historic achievement on the pitch, the aftermath served as a stark reminder of how moments of sporting triumph can sometimes be overshadowed by disorder and public safety concerns.
While the majority of fans sought to enjoy the victory peacefully, the actions of a small, unruly faction led to significant disruption, property damage, and injuries. Police have indicated their commitment to continuing efforts to hold those responsible accountable and prevent future incidents of this nature. As the city recovers from the unrest, discussions are likely to continue on how best to balance celebratory freedoms with the need for public safety during major sporting events.
